A CRICKET groundsman whose work impressed a sporting legend will be honoured with a commemorative bench in his memory.

Kidderminster Cricket Club's Denis Jones, who was in charge of the club's ground for 16 years, will be honoured with the unveiling of a bench on Saturday, May 18 at noon at the Chester Road ground.

The money for the bench was raised by Chester Road Sports and Social Club.

Chairman Ray Wall said: "Everyone is welcome to come along to the dedication, especially old colleagues and friends.

"It is a fitting tribute to Denis's long service producing excellent pitches throughout his period as groundsman.

"The bench will be sited in a fitting place. His ashes are buried by the scorebox, in accordance with his family's wishes, and the bench will be adjacent to that. It was a part of the ground he loved."

When Worcestershire county cricket returned to Kidderminster in 1987 after a 15-year break, Mr Jones immediately won praise for the wicket's quality.

New Zealand all-rounder and cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee said he wished he could take the wicket across the world with him to play each match on after appearing at Kidderminster with Nottinghamshire.