DURHAM County Cricket Club received three trophies at the 2018 Business of Cricket Awards (BOCAs) held at Emirates Old Trafford.

Durham were the big winners among all 18 counties on the night and picked up three BOCAs, including Best Commercial Partnership and Most Improved Match Day Experience. Durham’s head of marketing David Jackson also received the Rising Star award, capping off an outstanding night for the club.

The BOCAs, hosted by BBC broadcaster Mark Chapman at Lancashire Cricket, recognise non-playing excellence in the professional game.

“It was a huge honour to win the Rising Star award, not just for me but for the whole team at Durham,” Mr Jackson said. “We’re delighted to pick up three awards and it shows that we’re improving and reaching the high standard that we wish to achieve at the club.

“We’re extremely proud to be recognised for our efforts to make Emirates Riverside the best matchday experience for the customer and ensuring our home fixtures are the most atmospheric, entertaining and welcoming for members, season ticket holders and families.”

Durham County Cricket Club sales director Tom Seymour, added: “Given we won the matchday experience award, it was fitting that our relationship with Liontrust earned us the 2018 Best Commercial Partnership Award.

“Their funding, enthusiasm and dedication to sponsor our Family Zone for our Vitality Blast fixtures, enhance the club’s community engagement alongside the DCCC Foundation and sponsor the Woman’s Academy proved vital to us reaching a higher product level across multiple areas of the business.

“We’re delighted with the partnership and look forward to achieving more with them next year.”

Talking about the awards, ECB chief operating officer Gordon Hollins said: “Nights like that give us the chance to say thank you and to recognise the work put in by the hundreds of staff who play a vital role in delivering the success of our professional game.

“Alongside our well deserving winners I’d like to pay tribute to all of the shortlisted nominees; you are all making a huge difference.

“The BOCAs allow us to celebrate the work going on across the country to enable our domestic game to thrive.”