Worcestershire Supporters' Association's long serving chairman Ken Mills MBE has passed away at the age of 77.
Ken, who has been chairman for the past 41 years, has died after a lengthy battle against illness.
He is also an ex president of Worcestershire County Cricket Club in addition to being a vice-president.
Ken oversaw the purchase of New Road by the Association for the county in 1977 from Worcester Cathedral for £30,000 and was involved in many other projects.
He also helped to organise coach trips to away matches for supporters for 40 years until they ceased in 2011.
Ken has also helped to organise the popular Fifty-Fifty competition during his lengthy term as chairman.
It has been estimated that the Association has raised £6.5 million at current values.
Ken 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 CEO Tom Scott paid tribute to Ken and his achievements.
He 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.
"He has played such a major role as chairman in being involved in many projects at New Road which, without the support of the Association, would have been difficult to fulfil and come to fruition.
"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.
"When you look around the ground, the amount of contributions the Supporters' Association – and Ken has played a role in – have helped the club is many fold.
"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."
