A LASTING tribute to Warrington and England cricketing legend George Duckworth has been established in Birchwood - to mark the centenary of his birthday.

Warrington Sports Club and Warrington Borough Council have teamed up to rename a traffic island on Birchwood Way, honouring the wicketkeeper who won 24 caps for his country.

His daughter, Barbara DePrez, and grandson, Hugh DePrez, were at the ceremony as the Mayor of Warrington, Clr Jeff Richards, and Mayoress Julie Richards officially opened the island.

The wicketkeeper started his career at Warrington Cricket Club and after joining Lancashire and then representing his country, he returned to finish his playing days at the Walton-based club before acting as grounds keeper following his retirement.

Rowland Blackstock, chairman of Warrington Sports Club, said he hoped that the island would become as well-known as Brian Bevan Island in time.

"We are delighted that the borough council was so supportive in this idea in helping this partnership and venture," he said.

The concept of the new island not only coincided with the 100th anniversary of Mr Duckworth's birth, in May 1901, but marks the 150th anniversary of cricket at the Warrington club. The right-hander averaged 14.62 with the bat in his test match career, taking 57 dismissals and becoming Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1929.

He was known as one of the loudest appealers in the history of the game, and he died in January 1966.