KENT County Cricket Club’s president for 2005 will be the club’s honorary medical consultant of 10 years standing, Mr Richard Collins.

From Ickham near Canterbury, Mr Collins is a consultant surgeon at the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust and has been Kent’s honorary medical adviser since 1985, during which time he has assisted with surgery to several of the club’s leading players.

A Kent committee member for six years and an MCC member since 1968, he represented the MCC against Canada at Lord’s in 1969 and played club cricket for Essex League side, Buckhurst Hill, from 1959 to 1975.

He also played for St George’s Hospital Cricket Club between 1961 and 1967, captaining them in 1966.

A delighted Mr Collins said: “When Brian Luckhurst contacted me to let me know I was to be the nominated, I was truly surprised and taken aback. But I soon became excited and most honoured to be asked to take up this office.

“I am very conscious of the notable names to have preceded me and will do my utmost to help the cause of Kent Cricket. My wife Valerie joins me in looking forward to our year and enjoying a successful season.”

Kent’s 2004 president Brian Luckhurst, said: “I am delighted Richard has accepted our invitation and I wish him every success for the year ahead.

“I very much look forward to introducing him as my successor at next year’s annual meeting of the club on Monday, March 14 at the Ramada Hotel in Hollingbourne.”