Tributes paid to cricket stalwart

TRIBUTES have been paid to "hard-working and influential councillor" following the passing of former Chester-le-Street District Council leader, Malcolm Pratt, who died aged 84 on Monday.

- EMILY GRAY

Serving as a leading figure in Chester-le-Street civic affairs for more than three decades, Mr Pratt served as a Labour member for Chester-le-Street North ward from 1971 until he stood down in 2003.

In 1991, he became only the third leader of the now defunct district council.

Known throughout the region for his multiple endeavours as a prominent community figure, Mr Pratt was awarded an MBE, and Honorary Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham.

A driving force behind North East cricket, Malcolm was appointed president of Durham County Cricket Club and chairman of Philadelphia Cricket Club.

Over the years he sent endless cricket scoreboards and reports to The Chronicle, The Journal and Sunday Sun.