FORMER governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King has been named as the new president of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Lord King, a passionate supporter of the squad for more than 50 years, has been appointed to the role for the club’s 150th anniversary year in 2015.

Lord King, who was knighted in 2011, served as governor of the Bank of England for ten years from 2003 until 2013 and was knighted in 2001.

The 66-year-old said it was “a great honour” to be appointed to the role.

“My youth was spent at New Road watching the first Worcestershire side to win the County Championship exactly fifty years ago.

"With the 150th anniversary next year, there is much to celebrate in our history and the future is even brighter.

"Today’s team of talented young players and the redevelopment and transformation of the facilities at New Road promise exciting times ahead."

His predecessor at New Road John Elliot described the appointment as: "A wonderful decision and a great name to be associated with the cricket club."

Lord King was also made a life peer in 2013 and is currently professor of economics and law at the New York University Stern School of Business and School of Law as well as school professor of economics at the London School of Economics.

Former Worcestershire wicket-keeper Elliott, who also spent eight years as club chairman, described the appointment as: “A wonderful decision”.

“He is a very passionate supporter of Worcestershire,” he said. “He has a lot to offer.

“Already he's on the phone and emailing two or three times a week.

"But he will be around on the cricket circuit as well and is going to help with our fund-raising for the 150th anniversary year.”

Lord King is also a trustee of the National Gallery, a member of the Advisory Council of the London Symphony Orchestra and a director of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.