Kent County Cricket Club have appointed Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence KCVO, CB, ADC(P) as its President for 2020.

Sir Tim's role be effective from January 1 2020 in what will mark the club's 150th Anniversary year.

He also recently took on the role of Deputy President for 2019 at the Annual General Meeting.

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Sir Tim said: "I am honoured to accept the Presidency in what is set to be a prestigious year for Kent Cricket. Kent is very special to me, and I look forward to doing whatever I can to promote Kent Cricket during my time in office."

The former Royal Navy officer, who is married to Princess Anne, has Kent roots having been brought up in Ightham as an avid fan of the game.

He was a prominent figure at the top of the 1st team batting order during his time at Sevenoaks School, playing in the same side as former Kent captain Chris Tavaré and current director of cricket Paul Downton.

Following his time at Durham University, where he also featured in his college cricket team, Sir Tim completed his initial training at the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth.

He would go on to command four warships and hold several Ministry of Defence positions, including Chief Executive, Defence Estates.

The 64-year-old has since served as Chairman of English Heritage, Vice Chairman of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and a Trustee of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and HMS Victory.

Kent Chairman Simon Philip said: "2020 is a hugely important year in the club’s history and we are delighted that Sir Tim has accepted the Presidency for the year of our 150th Anniversary. On behalf of everyone at Kent Cricket, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to Sir Tim and wish him every success for his Presidential Year."

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