The Surrey cricket club which launched Bob Willis' illustrious career is looking for new senior players for the upcoming season.

The England bowler, who took 325 wickets from his 90 tests, started his playing days at Stoke D'Abernon Cricket Club and is still a life member there.

They are now looking to recruit a new crop of players for the senior team, and perhaps unearth another cricket legend.

Club captain Andy Page said: "We want players to enjoy their cricket and feel part of a successful local club, the kind of club that inspired Bob Willis 40 years ago.

"Players joining Stoke will find a friendly atmosphere and a competitive standard of senior cricket, a lot of young talent coming through, and a very pleasant ground."

Stoke CC hope the lure of a club that fielded such a famous and successful player will prove irresistible to budding cricketers across the county, although they will have a hard job emulating the MBE-awarded cricketer.

Willis took 899 wickets at an average of 24.99 in 804 first class matches, including two 10-wicket hauls.

He made his England debut against Australia in Sydney in the fourth Ashes test in 1971, but is best known for his phenomenal 8 for 43 at Headingly during the "Botham Test" Ashes victory at Headingly in 1981.

The Wisden Cricketer of the Year for 1978 retired in 1984 after a career spanning 15 years.

Stoke CC are optimistic the recruitment effort will reap instant rewards and help the team to success over local rivals Esher in the Cockspur Cup on April 29.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact club captain Andy Page on 07774 646625 or email andrewp@dhpuk.