Former England captain Mike Gatting was the guest of honour at Keswick Cricket Club's official opening after Storm Desmond.

But the club’s showpiece match against Cleator in the Premier Division of the North Lancashire and Cumbria Cricket League during the celebrations was cancelled due to the abysmal weather.

Keswick’s ground and clubhouse have been transformed following December’s devastation.

Saturday’s celebration was held to say thank you to the individuals, firms and organisations that have played a part in its revamp.

Mr Gatting, an ambassador for the England and Wales Cricket Board, officially opened the clubhouse and issued a rallying call to young players to ensure the long-term future of Keswick Cricket Club.

During his speech, Mr Gatting emphasised the importance of cricket and sport in local communities.

He heard how Keswick continues to flourish, having recently enjoyed a renaissance in its women’s cricket – more than 30 new players have joined the club.

Chairman Keith Richardson said the club’s future was bright but also warned many official bodies, including the Government and Environment Agency, needed to “up their game” to help protect flood-threatened communities in the future.

He added: “At the moment I fear all we are getting is a sticking plaster when what is really needed is major surgery in the form of substantial investment and radical action to effectively deal with the flooding that is the ruin of so many towns and cities, the countryside and their communities."

Fitz Park's cricket, football, bowls and tennis clubs were all badly affected by the floods.

Mr Richardson added: “We all live in fear of a recurrence of what happened and feel this is inevitable unless major steps are taken to avert it.

"We have managed to fight back this time but if there is a next time and it is bad or worse I am not sure if people will have the same enthusiasm to respond."