Kent County Cricket Club today announced that comedian Bob ‘the Cat’ Bevan MBE is to be the Club’s President for 2013.

Bevan is also a well-known after-dinner speaker, author and television radio personality, who has frequently appeared on Channel 4’s “Countdown”, with Sir Terry Wogan on “Aunties Bloomers” and presented BBC Radio 5’s “Six-O-Six” show. Before becoming an entertainer he also had a highly successful business career.

Bob has been a great supporter of the Club over many years.  He first got involved with Graham Johnson’s Benefit Year in 1983, and has been supporting and speaking at Club events and Players’ benefits ever since.

Bob is believed to be only the second person from the world of show business to become President of a county cricket club, the other being Sir Richard Stilgoe at Surrey in 2005.

He succeeds former Kent and England Captain, Mike Denness, who is delighted to be passing on the historic honour to Bob Bevan.

Commenting on his year as President, Mike Denness said: “This has been a tremendous year, and Doreen and I have thoroughly enjoyed all that it has entailed. It has been a huge privilege to serve as the Club’s 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.”

Bob expressed his surprise and delight at the announcement, commenting; “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 current President 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.”