CRICKETERS in Thurrock showed their respects to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday (10th April 2021).

Players and officials at the Belhus cricket club's match with Luton Caribbean lined the boundary in quiet reflection before the start of play.

For Belhus, a letter from The Duke is proudly displayed in their clubhouse. It relates to the time in 1976, when the North Stifford-based club organised their first-ever tour of Barbados.

His Royal Highness told the club: "Every cricketer at some time in his life must have dreamt of playing in the West Indies. Their touring teams have delighted us with a particular brand of magic and exuberance.

"I envy the members of the Belhus Cricket Club but I still wish them a very happy and successful visit to Barbados. I am sure none of the party will ever forget the experience."