LORD Mervyn King of Lothbury has called his presidency at Worcestershire County Cricket Club as “one of the greatest honours” he's had.

Lord King rounded off his two-year term in office at Worcestershire’s annual general meeting at New Road last night.

A former Governor of the Bank of England, Lord King is a life-long Worcestershire fan and had jumped at the invite to become the County’s president.

He has been succeeded in the role by part-time bowling coach Norman Gifford, the former Worcestershire captain.

He said: “It’s an honour to precede Norman because, as a boy, I used to sit at the New Road end of the ground and watch him bowl.”

Lord King enjoyed completing his scorecard and watching as Gifford starred with the ball to help Worcestershire to their first County Championship title in 1964.

“I am proud to hand on the president’s role to someone who has been a hero of mine for some time,” said Lord King.

“I feel deeply honoured and proud to have served Worcestershire County Cricket Club. It’s one of the greatest honours I have ever received.”

Lord King described the past 12 months as a “mixed year” for Worcestershire.

Worcestershire finished third in Division Two of the Specsavers County Championship and reached the quarter-finals of the Royal London One-Day Cup.

However, Worcestershire failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the NatWest T20 Blast after a barnstorming start to the competition.

Lord King is buoyed by the work of Worcestershire’s academy system and believes it is “promising for the future of the county and the country.”

“We have taken one step forward (over the last year) and we have a chance to take three and four,” said Lord King.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for the next five years to build on the squad we have with Bumpy (Steve Rhodes) and Joe Leach to lead.”

Despite standing down as president, Lord King says he wants to continue to help the County in any way he can.