Renowned bat-maker Duncan Fearnley, who was also a former Worcestershire batsman, passed away at the age of 83 following a brief illness.

A left-handed batter, Fearnley began his career in Yorkshire Seconds before moving to Worcestershire and went on to make 97 appearances across seven seasons.

He helped Worcestershire win their first County Championship in 1964, scoring 687 runs, including four half-centuries.

After his playing career was over, he served as the chair and president of Worcestershire, besides gaining fame as a bat-manufacturer.

The son of a woodwork teacher and the grandson of a cabinet-maker, Fearnley opened his own bat shop in Worcester in 1968.

His bats were very popular in the 1980s and 90s and were used by some of the top players of the time, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Botham, AllaAfter he was named the Worcestershire chair in 1986, he ushered in a trophy-laden decade at the club, including two County Championships.

He also served as Club president from 2011 to 2013, and was subsequently elected as an honorary vice-president.

He co-founded Chance to Shine, a cricket charity that has helped to reintroduce cricket to state schools in England and Wales.

Paul Pridgeon, Worcestershire's acting chair, paid his tribute to Fearnley. "Duncan's passing is a tremendous loss," Pridgeon told the club website.

"His contributions as a player, an administrator, and a passionate supporter of the club were immeasurable. He was the heart and soul of Worcestershire CCC.