Committee member and club historian Bob Horne suggested to club chairman John Brooke that they "sign up" Close as a draw card for a fundraiser towards buying their Wakefield Road ground.

"Bob told me that Huddersfield League club Kirkburton had held a successful evening with him and asked if I thought we could put one on at Lightcliffe CC," Brooke explained.

"I put it to the committee and they were all for it and so we have booked the Old Brodleians clubhouse for Thursday, March 18 (7.30) and put tickets on sale at £10 each including supper."

Close, now 78, played first class cricket in five decades, captaining Yorkshire between 1963 and 1970 and taking them to the County Championship on four occasions.

He then joined Somerset and captained them to some memorable one-day successes with a team containing the likes of Viv Richards, Joel Garner and Ian Botham.

He played Test cricket from 1949 when he faced New Zealand until 1974 and was famed for his close fielding at forward short leg and taking many a well hit ball on his head without flinching in the days long before protective helmets.

He also captained England and made his last appearance in first class cricket was at the Scarborough Festival in 1983 when he led a D. B. Close X1.

"I understand from Bob that he is extremely interesting, witty and informative and so this must be a must attend for local cricket enthusiasts," added Brooke.

Tickets went on sale yesterday and can be obtained by ringing 01422-202930 or by leaving details at Old Brods or the Sun Inn, Lightcliffe.