THE Lancashire League has called on all clubs to 'work together for the good of the league' in light of champions Clitheroe being found not guilty of allegedly paying or offering to pay amateur players.

The Chatburn Road club were cleared by a league investigation earlier this week and club officials said they were 'delighted' with the decision which has taken nearly six months to reach.

The league released a statement on Wednesday calling on clubs to remember their responsibilities around recruitment.

The league statement read: "The disciplinary proceedings brought by the league in respect of a complaint against Clitheroe Cricket Club, Harrison Phelan, Sam Halstead and Kurt Robinson in relation to the alleged payment or offers of payment to the three players to play for the club were finally determined on February 26.

"At the conclusion of the case the panel found that the complaints against all three players were not proved. "Consequently, the complaint against the club was also found not to have been proved.

"A full copy of the judgement is now on the league website.

"The league accepts the decisions of the panel and would thank all the individuals who gave evidence in support of the complaints.

"In delivering its judgement the panel found that evidence of all of the witnesses supporting the complaints was truthful and accurate or honest and credible.

"The panel stated that the proceedings were properly brought as legitimate concerns had been raised which have now been fully investigated.

"The chairman notes that the panel were concerned at the aggressive recruitment policy adopted by individuals of the Clitheroe club who held themselves out and were accepted by others as representing the club and stated this policy does not accord with the traditional ethos of the league.

"The league hopes the senior members of Clitheroe Cricket Club will, as suggested, by the panel, undertake a review of their club governance in this regard to ensure that these policies are properly monitored in the future by the club committee.

"It is vital that all clubs now work together for the good of the league and its future.

"The league has always been and will continue to be protective of it’s aims and objectives, which include the controlling of professionalism, and hopes that all clubs will take note of the comments made by the panel in respect of their responsibilities to the league and each other in relation to issues of recruitment.

"Clitheroe and all member clubs are to be reminded of their responsibilities with regard to postings on social media sites.

"The league do have a policy to monitor these postings which relate to the league both directly or indirectly.

"Any members club’s players or officials failing to adhere to the code of conduct will face disciplinary measures which may result in a suspension or ban from playing in the league or attending Lancashire League matches."