WORCESTERSHIRE unveiled new 150th anniversary gates at the main entrance to New Road as a lasting memory to the landmark year in the club’s history.

County skipper and 2016 beneficiary Daryl Mitchell officially marked the opening.

The gates, sponsored by Crown Domestic Appliances, were designed by Dudley’s DJH Ironcraft.

Owner Dave Halford said: “It is quite a proud thing to make the gates for such a prestigious county and in recognition of a landmark time in their history.

“I’ve never been to a cricket match but everyone has heard of Worcestershire CCC and it was an honour to make the gates for them.

“We have incorporated the three pears shield into the gates along with the dates marking the years in the club’s history and have been proud to link up with the club.”

The gates are across the two entrance points adjacent to the Graeme Hick Pavilion.

County commercial director Jon Graham said: “Historically, we’ve had gates on the main entrance and they got damaged in floods, knocked about by vehicles and, when they came off after a flood a number of years ago, they weren’t put back on.

“The 150th anniversary was a fantastic success with lots of really good events, a memorable year topped off by the financial performance published recently, and I felt it was appropriate we needed some lasting memory of the year.

“Not only will it be a fitting tribute to the 150th year and have a lasting memory to it, it will also mean the security of the ground will be improved.”

Meanwhile, Mitchell is looking forward to the next event in his benefit season, which is a Question of Sport evening in the Graeme Hick Pavilion at around 7.30pm on Monday after the second day’s play against Kent.

For advance tickets, call Mark Ashbourne on 07506 747619 or email: mitchbenefit2016@gmail.com