78 not out: Watch Yorkshire's Golden Oldie cricket festival

VETERAN cricket players from all over the world begin rolling back the years today as play begins across North Yorkshire in a festival of golden oldies.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Aug 2010, 23:15 BST

Updated 9th Aug 2010, 19:39 BST

The event was launched yesterday with an opening ceremony and parade of nations through Masham as 35 teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Japan, USA as well as local sides from Yorkshire, prepare for a week of cricket at village grounds around the region.

Yorkshire legend Ray Illingworth will act as the ambassador for the Golden Oldies World Cricket Festival which also features an array of former first-class and Test players such as Yorkshire's Martyn Moxon, Australian Bob Holland and West Indies all-rounder Collis King.

The competition, being run for the 14th time, is open to any players over 40, although the average age of those taking part is nearer 55, with some people in their 70s.

Illingworth said: "This is going to be a fantastic event and I am really looking forward to being a part of it."