THE Greater Manchester Cricket League have named their main cup competition after Bolton League stalwart Derek Kay.

Mr Kay, who died a year ago, played for 30 years for Greenmount in the Bolton League and was a former chairman of the league and manager of its representative team.

He remained an active member of the Bolton League committee and helped look after Bradshaw's ground up to him dying suddenly at the age of 60.

Despite his strong and long Bolton League connections, he was a long-time advocate of change in the structure of local cricket in the area.

The Greater Manchester League said in a statement that Mr Kay was a supporter of the need for change throughout Lancashire and that at the time of his death he was an instrumental part of the Greater Manchester Steering Group.

Martin Kay, chairman of the Greater Manchester Cricket League, said: "I could not think of a better way of remembering a true cricket friend.

"The 1st XI cup competition will be played by high-quality teams, fiercely competitive but always within the rules and hopefully with a smile and a swagger. It’s as if I’m describing the man himself."

Mr Kay's sons, Martin and Neil, helped make the cup draw at Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday.

Neil said: "A huge thank-you to the Greater Manchester Cricket League for naming their new cup competition after my dad.

"He would be embarrassed but it is a great way for us all to remember him."