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Colne cricketer Andrew Whitaker is preparing to make his county cricket debut - even though he is confined to a wheelchair.

Andrew - who suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a disease which affects the nerves - will be part of a disabled team representing Lancashire in a Battle of the Roses clash against Yorkshire on July 7.

Despite his disability, over the past two years Andrew has built up a reputation as one of the best off-spinners in the county after been spotted by scouts for a disabled cricketing organisation while watching a match at Colne Cricket Club. He is now trained by Colne, plays for Rochdale and will represent the county in what he hopes will be one of many high-flying games.

Andrew, of Intack Crescent, said: ``The main cricketing counties are trying to set up a league for disabled cricketers, with a final to be held at either the Oval or Lords.

``It is slightly different to traditional cricket because there are only eight players and the scoring is different.

``I am really looking forward to this match.''

He also has plenty of other matches lined up for the summer, and has just completed a mini-tournament in Preston during which he showed his batting was almost as good as his well-documented bowling prowess.

He added: ``I have always been a good off-spinner but my batting has improved a lot which has pleased me.