THE funeral of long-serving Worcestershire County Cricket Club Supporters Association chairman Ken Mills will take place next week.

Mr Mills, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the association, passed away last month aged 77 following a long battle with cancer.

During his tenure he oversaw the purchase of New Road by the association for the county in 1977 from Worcester Cathedral and was involved in many other projects.

He had been chairman for the past 41 years and was also an ex-president of Worcestershire County Cricket Club in addition to being a vice-president.

A private family only service will take place at Worcester Crematorium at 1pm on Monday, September 12.

This will be followed by a Service Of Thanksgiving at St Johns Church, taken by the Reverend Mike Vockins at 3pm, to which everyone is welcome.

Refreshments will then be held at 4pm at Worcestershire County Cricket Club and again, everyone is welcome.

After his death, Worcestershire County Cricket Club CEO, Tom Scott, said: “It is a sad day in the history of the club and Ken Mills has been an iconic figure at New Road for many decades."

Director of cricket, Steve Rhodes said: “Ken has been an amazing person for Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

“To be chairman for over 40 years is an amazing achievement and his memory - and the role of the association - will live on and on.”