CELEBRATIONS to mark the 150th anniversary of Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) got off to a flying start at the Emirates Old Trafford.


LCCC members and supporters attended the anniversary celebrations at the Talbot Road ground, on January 12, and were offered the opportunity to purchase the 150th Anniversary book signed on the day by two of the authors, Malcolm Lorrimer and Andrew Searle.


Many former players, including Jim Cumbes, Geoff Clayton, Colin Hilton and Bob Entwistle, were also present on the day.


The event was timed to coincide perfectly with the clubs inception in 1864, when leading members of Manchester Cricket Club met to discuss the idea of forming a county club.


Thirteen clubs attended the meeting on January 12 1864 and after some discussion, LCCC was formed and the idea of playing matches in different parts of the county was born.


The club has changed a lot since then, particularly in the last five years, with the construction of The Point, the AJ Bell Players and Media Centre and the refurbishment of the Pavilion, which has its own 1864 suite to celebrate that historic year.


Angela Hodson, venue sales manager at Emirates Old Trafford said: “This is a very special year for the club and the venue.


“It is remarkable to think that 150 years ago the birth of Lancashire County Cricket Club has led not only to the club being famous world-wide but the ground also being known as a world-class business venue for events and exhibitions.”


For more information on other activities and celebrations taking place throughout 2014, visit lccc.co.uk.