Durham stalwart dies aged 97

Arthur Austin, who played 60 matches for Durham as a wicketkeeper/batsman from 1936 when they were a leading Minor County, has died at the age of 97.

Born in Stockton in 1908, Austin joined the county's committee in 1950, was secretary from 1969 to 1975 and chairman from 1975 to 1992 when Durham finally entered the County Championship.

In recognition of his commitment and loyalty he was named UK Patron in 1992 and continued to attend board meetings until ill health prevented him from doing so late last year.

Durham's chief executive said: "Arthur was a very highly respected and much loved Durham CCC friend, a great supporter of the club in the truest sense of the word and a man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him."