TRIBUTES have been paid to an ‘icon’ of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Long-serving Supporters Association chairman Ken Mills has died, aged 77, following a long battle with cancer.

Mr Mills, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the association, 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.

He also helped to organise coach trips to away matches for supporters for 40 years until they stopped in 2011.

It is estimated that the association has raised £6.5 million at current values.

Mr Mills and his late wife Pat, the association’s secretary for 40 years, already have a stand in front of the Premier Inn named by the club in their honour.

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.

“Ken had a deep love for this cricket club and on behalf of the club may I pass on condolences to his family.”

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.”