ONE of England cricket's finest batsmen is to be remembered at a special service being held at Worcester Cathedral in the new year.

Tom Graveney, who has endured a long battle against Parkinson's disease, died at the age of 88 earlier this month.

In a first class career over two decades, Tom captained both Worcestershire and Gloucestershire and played in 79 test matches for England.

Tom was a prolific scorer after moving to New Road, playing a major part in the 1964 and 1965 County Championship triumphs.

His form for the county during those successes earned him a recall, at the age of 39, to the England side in 1966.

During his test career he scored 4,882 runs at an average of 44.38. He also amassed 47,793 first class runs, and scored 122 first class hundreds.

He was Worcester's president from 1994 to 1998, and later became the first professional cricketer to become president of MCC, in 2004.

During his retirement Tom regularly visited New Road, attending the Worcestershire Old Players' Association Day earlier this year.

Among the tributes for Tom was from former Worcestershire County Cricket Club secretary Mike Vockins who described him as one of the "golden heroes of Worcestershire cricket".

Worcester residents are being invited to pay their respects at a service of thanksgiving that has been arranged.

It is being held at Worcester Cathedral on Friday, April 29, from 2.30pm.

Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale said: "Tom was a major figure in Worcestershire's history but he was hugely respected and a popular person throughout the game.

"I am sure there will be many, many people who will want to pay their respects to Tom at the service at the end of next April."

Donations in Tom's memory can be made to the Parkinson's UK charity, by sending them to c/o Mason and Stokes, 54 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6AH.