MARY Elworthy, involved with the West Somerset Cricket League since it was founded 40 years ago, is its new president.

She was elected at the league’s annual general meeting at Brompton Ralph Cricket Club last week.

Mary, who lives in Fitzhead, hails from Huish Champflower where her father was the captain of the village team. She started scoring for the club back in the 1960s and carried on with the job until 2010, since when she has continued as treasurer.

When the West Somerset League started in 1976, Mary was the first secretary and held that post for 21 years, and more recently she has been heavily involved in organising the league’s annual dinner at the County Ground in Taunton.

After her appointment, Mary said: “Its a really great honour to be appointed as the new president of the West Somerset Cricket League.

“Everybody is so friendly and enjoys their cricket and after 40 years the league is still going strong.”

Bob Bowyer, the league’s chairman for the past 16 years, said: “I have known Mary for more than 25 years and she was one of the founders of the league when it was set up in the winter of 1975.

“When I took over as vice-chairman of the league, Mary was then the secretary, since when we have remained good friends.”

Explaining how Mary came to be elected, Bob said: “Earlier in the year when John Green decided to retire as president, the committee met and it was a unanimous decision.

“So many people said that the only person to ask was Mary as she has had so much to do with the league over the years, so that is what we did and we are very grateful that she has accepted.

“Luckily the West Somerset League remains as strong as ever, and for 2017 we have 50 teams playing next season, so we have got a full complement with one waiting which is good.”

In addition to her involvement with the West Somerset League, Mary is an honorary life member of Somerset CCC and seceretary of its Taunton area committee.