Prominent Kent Cricket supporter and comedian Bob ‘The Cat’ Bevan has been named club president for 2013.

The after-dinner speaker, author and broadcaster, who has appeared on Countdown and presented BBC Radio 5 Live’s Six-O-Six show, has spoken at club events and player benefits since first getting involved with Graham Johnson’s benefit year in 1983.

Mr Bevan (pictured) succeeds former Kent and England captain Mike Denness, who said: “This has been a tremendous year. It has been a huge privilege to serve as president, something that I never expected.

“I am extremely pleased that Bob has agreed to be the president for 2013. I am certain that Bob will make a fantastic contribution to the club, and I have absolutely no doubt that this news will be extremely well received by Kent Cricket supporters.”

Mr Bevan said: “I still can’t quite believe it as it was not something I had ever considered I could be eligible for.

“I was overwhelmed when I got the call from Mike Denness, and remain in that state of mind. When I look at the legends who have gone before me, I find it even harder to take in.”