CLITHEROE Cobras are set for the ‘tour of a lifetime’ when they fly out to the United Arab Emirates next month.

The Cobras, the junior section of Clitheroe Cricket Club will play five matches on the high profile tour – and they are also hoping to form a guard of honour for England’s One Day International against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

The tour is a part of the club’s year long 150th anniversary celebrations.

The Cobras – who won the Lancashire Telegraph’s Grass Roots Heroes club of the year award – will play matches against locals schools and academies, with some matches being played under floodlight.

“This really is going to be a once in a lifetime experience for the lads and epitomises how we at Cobras try to raise the bar,” said Clitheroe Cobras chairman Farouk Hussain.

“They will play many games of cricket throughout their careers but this will be something that they will never ever forget.”

A squad of 13 players, aged between 10 and 15-years-old, will make the trip to the UAE.

And Farouk is hoping that meeting the England players and forming a guard of honour will be the icing on the cake.

“We are still waiting to find out but we are trying to arrange a meet and greet with the England players at one of their training sessions in Dubai and the possibility of forming a guard of honour at the One Day International in Abu Dhabi.

“But this tour is not just about the cricket. It will also provide opportunities for the boys to experience different cultures, religions and lifestyles as they undertake several non-cricket related excursions and experiences – including a trip out into the desert, a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and cross Dubai creek in a primitive fishing boat, as used by the locals.

“Excitement is at fever pitch as this has been a long time in the planning.

“The boys have worked hard to raise funds for the tour and are the envy of their friends.

“I am sure they will have a terrific time and make many new friends."