PROUD Yorkshireman Stephen Hipgrave says he couldn’t be happier to win a call-up to the Lancashire over 50s cricket team – and admits he will gladly be an honorary Lancastrian for the cause.

Earby’s Hipgrave, who becomes the youngest debutant in the Red Rose senior team after qualifying just last week, will play against Durham over 50s at Formby CC today.

The boundary changes in 1974 moved Earby from Yorkshire into Lancashire but Hipgrave has followed in the footsteps of Lancashire skipper Glen Chapple, who himself is from the town.

“I am really happy with the call-up,” said Hipgrave. “It is really nice to get county recognition at whatever age you are.

“And I am delighted – even though I am a Yorkshireman.”

But the ex-Colne all-rounder added: “But I will be proud to be a Lancastrian, just like Glen Chapple.

“I am really suited to be called up, it is a great honour for me and I am immensely proud.”

Hipgrave, known throughout cricket circles as Herbie, has started his 35th season of action well and Earby are in fourth spot in the Ribblesdale League.

He missed a large part of last season with an Achilles injury and he says he is just glad to be back in the field this time around.

“It is good to be playing again,” he said. “Obviously I am not getting any younger but I am still enjoying it.

“But I am at the stage now where if we have a double header I don’t think I will bother playing the Twenty20 on a Friday night – that’s a bit much.

“Twenty20 is a young man’s game really so I will let them have that one.

“With my age and the injury of last year I do have to be a little careful – but I still plan to go on.”

After today Hipgrave will be back in action for Earby in this weekend’s double header against Ribblesdale Wanderers and Barnoldswick.