Lancashire launch appeal to help local communities affected by floods

Lancashire have launched an appeal to help local communities affected by the recent floods.

The Red Rose county has been hit by the heavy rainfall in the north of England and Lancashire are trying to raise £10,000 for those affected in the area.

The reigning NatWest t20 Blast champions, who won promotion back to County Championship Division One in September, had donated £1,500 to nine cricket clubs affected by flooding in the wake of Storm Desmond earlier this month.

"Our thoughts are with those communities who have suffered with the flooding, especially at this time of year," head coach Ashley Giles said on Lancashire's official website.

"Together with our foundation and cricket board we have launched the Red Rose Floods Appeal on JustGiving to help raise crucial funds that will support people in Lancashire who have suffered real heartache and misery due to the floods.

"We hope that as a famous Lancashire institution we can encourage people to dig deep and donate what they can spare to help their fellow Lancastrians in their hour of need."

Cricket clubs in Yorkshire have also been badly hit by flooding and the Yorkshire Cricket Board - in conjunction with the ECB - has set up an emergency fund to support clubs who are affected.