A LEADING figure in the development of Durham county cricket in the past decade has become the club's new president.

Malcolm Pratt played a "pivotal part" in the establishment of the club's Riverside ground in his role as leader of Chester-le-Street District Council.

He takes over the biennial post as Durham CCC president at the end of the two-year stint of former club chairman and county council leader Don Robson.

As president, Councillor Pratt will oversee the further development of the Riverside, following the recent granting of Test status to the Chester-le-Street ground.

The lifelong cricket enthusiast began his working days as an internal auditor with the National Coal Board in 1955, before becoming involved in local politics in 1971. Awarded an MBE in the 1999 New Year's Honours, Coun Pratt was named as Deputy Lord Lieutenant for County Durham in May.

Given his passion for cricket, Coun Pratt said he was "delighted" at the appointment.

"I can honestly say that the development of the Riverside cricket ground is the most exciting thing to have happened to the district.

"As a big cricket fan myself, I'm very much looking forward to being part of its development as a Test match ground."

Durham CCC chairman Bill Midgley said: "It was an obvious transition for Malcolm to become president. I wish him very well in the role."

The Riverside will become the first new Test ground in the country for a century when it hosts a five-day England match with Zimbabwe next summer.