THE stand-in chairman of Durham County Cricket Club has taken up his post and said: "The future is extremely rosy."

Bob Jackson was promoted from vice-chairman following the shock resignation of Bill Midgley on Friday.

Mr Midgley blamed personal attacks by club members for his decision to quit, but Mr Jackson said any member's complaints and suggestions will be considered.

Mr Jackson, 65, will be chairman for the forseeable future, but the club's 11-man board will appoint a permanent replacement.

A former personnel manager with the National Coal Board, Mr Jackson is a frequent visitor to Durham's away matches, something which Mr Midgley's busy schedule did not permit.

Along with Tommy Moffat, Mr Jackson was on Durham's original first-class board, and has been chairman of his home club, Lintz, in Burnopfield, for 30 years.

He said: "Because of what has happened, the board will assess the situation and decide where we want to be and how to get there. This will cover all aspects of the club.

"We are not unique among county clubs in having debts. There are some areas of concern, but some rapid strides have been made in the last 12 months."