Police commissioner is Durham's new president

Durham's new president is Sir John Stevens, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Sir John, a former Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, has been a policeman for 42 years and is one of the most respected police officers in the country. He has been commended on 27 occasions for outstanding detective ability or courage, was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service in 1991, and knighted in the 2000 New Year Honours.

He will take over as president from Malcolm Pratt, whose period of office ends on 5 May.

David Harker, Durham's chief executive, said: "It is a tremendous boost to have attracted someone of Sir John's calibre to work with the us - he will no doubt raise the Club's profile, both nationally and internationally."

And Durham's chairman Bob Jackson added: "We are delighted to welcome Sir John, a keen cricket follower, to Durham County Cricket Club. I would like to thank the outgoing president Malcolm Pratt for his tireless efforts during his tenure ... the club are grateful for his contribution."

Sir John Stevens, meanwhile, said: "As a former player and keen follower of cricket I am delighted to have been invited to take on this honorary position. Durham is a vibrant and progressive first-class county making a growing and significant contribution to the game from grass roots to international level. I look forward to working with everyone who has an interest in the club to build on its success."