A MAN who helped herald an exciting new era for cricket in the region has died.

Don Robson, former leader of Durham County Council, was a driving force behind Durham Cricket Club becoming a First Class county.

Mr Robson was 82. 

He was among the campaigners who helped raise money to build the cricket ground at Chester-le-Street.

After a concerted effort, the club was successful in joining England's elite counties in 1991.

Speaking at the time, Mr Robson said it was "the biggest decision cricket has made in years."

"I am delighted it was a unanimous decision. But I will only be really happy when a Durham boy playing cricket for County Durham also plays for England," he said.

Michael Heseltine approved plans for the construction of the Riverside ground in December of the same year.

Mr Robson hailed the decision at the time as "excellent news not just for Durham County Cricket Club and County Durham, but for the whole of the North."

He added: "This is the last piece in the jigsaw. The next stage is to make sure that the riverside development itself is one which we, Chester-le-Street, and the whole of the North-East can be proud."

Durham's first first-class match at the Riverside was May 18, 1995 against Warwickshire.
The Don Robson Pavilion was named in his honour.

Durham County Cricket Club confirmed his passing, adding in a statement on the club's website:  "Don played an integral role in bringing county cricket to the region and campaigned long and hard to turn the dream of a first-class venue at Chester-le-Street into a reality.

"The thoughts of everyone connected to the club are with Don’s family this evening."

Former Durham player Neil Killeen also paid his own tribute.

"Sad news that Don Robson has passed away, great man who did so much for Durham CCC which allowed so many of us to follow our dreams #RIPDon," he wrote on Instagram.

Local cricket clubs took to social media.

Washington Cricket Club wrote on Twitter: "Sad news that Don Robson has passed away. The club would like to pass on our condolences to his family. A real character gone!"

South Shields Cricket Club wrote: "Our condolences to the family of Don Robson. Great man who leaves a massive legacy."

Whickham Cricket Club wrote: "Sad news that Don Robson has passed away. A pioneer of Durham Cricket."

Eppleton Cricket Club wrote: "Sad news that Don Robson has passed away. A legend of cricket in the North East. Eppleton would like to send our thoughts to Don's family."

Profound DSCL Trophy wrote: "Very sad news about Don Robson. He enabled  Durham Cricket to achieve its cricketing ambitions and firmly put North-East cricket on the map."

Former Durham and England fast bowler Steve Harmison said he was "gutted to hear we've lost a great man in Don Robson".

Mr Robson is also remembered for the work he did to help the region recover from the closure of the coal mines. He is credited with helping create thousands of jobs to redevelop the area.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones tweeted: "Sad to hear death of Don Robson former Durham CC Leader. A strong advocate for Durham and North-East. Thoughts with Jenny and family."

The Liberal Democrats in the North-East also paid tribute, writing: "We're sorry to learn of death of Don Robson. Obviously we had political differences, but he did a great deal for county and for Durham CCC."

Family friend Pam Royle, the Tyne Tees television presenter, said she spoke to Mr Robson’s widow on Thursday night and that the family had appealed for privacy.

Ms Royle said: “Ron was a driving force behind Durham County Cricket Club and a very lovely man.”

The presenter added: "I remember my first meeting with Don and being struck by his warm welcoming personality.

"He was extremely witty with a very dry sense of humour. He was the same with everyone, even the Queen ! 

"I recall being near him in a line up at Durham Castle for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

"Her Majesty stopped to talk to Don and whatever he said to her made her laugh - not surprising, Don could make everyone laugh.

"He was a wonderful man to be around. He was also a man of great wisdom and honesty. I always felt in awe of what he achieved as Leader of Durham County Council and in being a driving force in bringing first class cricket to Durham.

"I have enjoyed watching many a match with Don and his wife Jenny at Chester-le-Street.

"Don leaves a tremendous legacy for the North-East, the area and the people he cared so much about and did so very much to help throughout his life."

Mr Robson leaves a wife and two grown up children.

It is understood a celebration of his life will be held in the near future.

The Northern Echo:

A photo from 2002. The Fearnley Flix Pitch at Wolsingham, left to right, Eric Blench Natwest, Len Alderson from Sport England, Don Robson from Durham Cricket Board and Charlie Donaghy organiser of the George Mann Cup.

The Northern Echo:

A photo from 2007. Trying out the new nets at Durham City Cricket Club are, from left, club president Ray Pallister, club chairman David Allan and Durham Cricket Board chairman Don Robson