A cricket club called in a helicopter to help dry out a rain-sodden pitch to get their game on recently.

The Manchester Evening News reported that Rochdale-based Bamford Fieldhouse Cricket Club literally went above and beyond to avoid a wash-out.

The chopper, which belongs to a club member, was called in and hovered over the outfield before landing. It was hoped the helicopter’s whirling blades would dry the field out but sadly, the novel tactic failed and the club’s game with Roe Green was called off.

Bamford captain Will Purser told Mancesgter Evening News, “The helicopter belongs to one of the club members.

“We had not played for two weeks because of the weather and it was looking like another cancellation. It was a case of trying to do whatever we could do.

“We tried drying the ground with a leaf blower but that was a bit of a thankless task. I assume the owner of the helicopter must have got a call and he came down.

“It hovered over the outfield then landed but it did not work. We didn’t play.”