He has described playing cricket for Yorkshire as a "dream come true" - so as Keith Gillhouley marks his 80th birthday this week there is no place more fitting for the celebration than the Headingley ground.

Mr Gillhouley, was planning to celebrate with his family by watching Yorkshire v Worcestershire at the one day cup today ( Thursday).

Born in Huddersfield, on August 8, 1934, he was an English first class cricketer who was a, slow left arm bowler and right handed batsman.

His daughter Kim Kelly said: "He has always been a modest man but one who is immensely proud of being a Yorkshireman and even more proud of being able to say he has played cricket for his County, especially amongst some of the talented players of that era. Dad played at a time when Yorkshire enjoyed great success and there was a nucleus of international names in the side.

"He always describes playing for Yorkshire as "a dream come true" and although he finished his professional career playing at Notts in 1966, nothing in his cricketing memories will ever equal the experience of playing for his own County for the first time.

"He settled in Nottingham and started his own business, now retired he has moved back to his beloved Yorkshire and lives in Guiseley where He can be found every weekend watching his grandson who plays for Guiseley cricket club."

She added: "He will celebrate his birthday with the whole family watching the one day cup (Yorkshire v Worcestershire) at Headingley where he continues to support the club and always attend the Player's Association meetings and dinners. No doubt there will be a visit to the museum there for a trip down memory lane.

"The family want to wish him a very happy birthday. He is our hero and we love him very much."