A PROUD father whose son died after being hit in the eye with a Cricket ball today spoke of his hope that a charity match in his honour would become an annual event.

The charity cricket match in memory of former Lancashire player Ian Folley 10 years after he died, brought together young players from across the region yesterday.

Ian, 30, a former pupil at Mansfield High School, Brierfield, died in West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, in August 1993 after being hit in the eye with a cricket ball.

He had been playing cricket with his new club Whitehaven and a minor operation on a perforated eyeball went wrong. He collapsed after being given anaesthetic and, despite doctors battling to save him for 80 minutes, he died.

The event in Padiham was organised by Ian's father, James Folley, to mark the 10th anniversary of his son's death and could now become an annual event. Mr Folley said it would be something his son would be proud of and he hoped it could be continued throughout the years as the Ian Folley Memorial Trophy.

The money raised at the event, about £400, will go towards buying sports equipment for disadvantaged children.

Padiham Cricket Club allowed Mr Folley, who lives in Clayton-le-Moors with his wife, Constance, 64, to use its ground yesterday to stage a match between two specially picked teams and a fun day.

Mr Folley, 64, said: "The day went very well and we will certainly repeat it next year.

"Ian would have been there enjoying himself if he was still here and I think the event was a fitting memorial to him.

"Ian lived in Reedley before moving to Casterton Avenue, in Burnley, so he had never lost his roots and liked playing cricket with the young children. I think he would have been quite proud of what we are doing."

A signed cricket bat from Surrey County Cricket Club and a signed shirt from Burnley-born England fast bowler James Anderson were among items auctioned.

Mr Folley said: "There is already an Ian Folley Memorial Trophy for golf at the Keighley Golf Club, where he was a keen golfer, but it would be nice to have one for cricket. Mrs Folley said: "Ian would have taken all this in his stride.

"He wasn't one to seek the limelight, but I'm sure he would be pleased we were doing this for him and it will, hopefully, do something good for others too."

Ian played cricket for Nelson and Padiham, before a short spell at Blackburn Northern. He then played for the Lancashire Federation before turning professional at the age of 18 and joining Lancashire County Cricket team.

A new pavilion at Whitehaven, Cumbria, has been jointly dedicated to Ian and another cricketer brought in to replace him who also died.