THE new season may still be several months away but Malton cricket batmaker Nick Nixon is offering the perfect early Christmas present. He is giving away a full set of equipment (bat made to measure, pads, gloves and thigh-guard). To earn the chance of winning this super prize, just answer the following question:

* Who won the County Championship title this year?

Please send your answers on a postcard to: The Sports Editor, Gazette & Herald, PO Box 29, 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Closing date for entries is Monday, November 24.

Nick, whose shop is based in Spital Street, Malton, is delighted with the way his first season in business has gone. He has seen his first willow displayed on television, when Zimbabwean Gary Brent used it against South Africa last month. Collis King had the highest average in the York and District Senior League using one of Nick's bats. And he has also had his first export order from Jalandhar in India.

Nick, who uses willow from the Castle Howard estate, said: "I've had a very good response from customers, including a letter from West Indian test player Laurie Williams, saying how pleased he was with the bat." All Nick's bats are tailored made to each individual player's needs.

Updated: 10:22 Thursday, November 15, 2001