500 mourners attend Luckhurst funeral

Brian Luckhurst: man of Kent for 51 years © Getty Images Enlarge

Brian Luckhurst, the former England batsman who died earlier this month after a 51-year association with Kent County Cricket Club, has been laid to rest in the village of Alkham near Dover. Nearly 500 mourners crammed into the Church of St Anthony of Parmiers to pay their respects to Luckhurst, 66, who was buried on the final day of his term of office as club president.

The local pub closed as a mark of respect, and after readings from Mr Luckhurst's sons, the eulogy was read by his former Kent and England team-mate, Derek Underwood. "To be president of Kent County Cricket Club was without doubt the greatest honour and tribute that Brian could ever have achieved," said Underwood, "so it was tragic that he should be stricken with illness in his presidential year.

"Despite all the odds he fulfilled his duties and at times he went far beyond the call of duty and despite his pain and tiredness he was determined to enjoy and relish every moment of his year." The congregation included a host of former Kent stars, including Mike Denness, Alan Ealham, David Constant, Chris Tavare and Richard Ellison.