Duncan Fearnley became the chairman of the Worcestershire County Cricket Club in 1986 taking over from Dr Alec Burnett who did not seek re-election as chairman after five and a half years in office.

World-renowned bat maket Duncan Fearnley

Fearnley stood down as chairman in March 1998 after 12 years in charge during the most successful period in Worcestershire's history, but still remains a member of the County's committee.

Born in Pudsey, Yorkshire Fernley joined the County staff in 1961 and remained with them until 1968, playing in 97 first class matches and scoring his maiden century in 1966.

During his playing days at New Road he started making bats in Sansome Place, Worcester, which has made his name synonymous with cricket throughout the world.

After he left New Road in 1968 former opening batsman Fearnley played for Lincolnshire and West Bromwich Dartmouth before being invited to return to New Road in 1972 as captain of the Second Eleven, a position he held for two years.