Victorious Lancashire CCC get heroes' welcome from Manchester Town Hall dignitaries

By Barrie White, News Correspondent

Lancashire County Cricket Club’s history-making championship winning team are set to be honoured at a civic reception at Manchester Town Hall tonight.

Players, management and staff at Old Trafford will join Lord Mayor, Councillor Harry Lyons JP, to celebrate the county’s first outright title win since 1934.

The winner’s trophy will be presented at the event, which starts at 6pm and will salute what has been a fantastic few months for the Red Rose county.

As well as winning the LV= county title on the last day of the season, Old Trafford was also awarded an Ashes test when Australia try to reclaim the urn in 2013.

This was a result of the club finally winning planning permission to carry out extensive refurbishment of their Old Trafford headquarters.

Lancashire Chief executive Jim Cumbes is delighted that the team’s achievements on the field, as well as off it, are being recognised in such a fashion by city leaders.

“It is a great honour for Lancashire County Cricket Club to be received in such a manner,” said Cumbes.

“We are looking forward to celebrating our championship winning success with the Lord Mayor, officials and dignitaries of Manchester City Council.”

Councillor Lyons, JP, admitted he was excited to be welcoming the victorious team to the town hall so he could pass on his own best wishes, along with leader of the council Sir Richard Leese, a self-confessed Lancashire fanatic.

“It is a privilege to be able to welcome Lancashire County Cricket Club to Manchester Town Hall,” said the Lord Mayor.

“After a gruelling season they secured a remarkable victory and I look forward to congratulating the team in person.”