Well-known Colchester sportsman John Wright is to be the new president of the Essex Professional Golf Association.

Wright, who celebrates his 73rd birthday at the end of the month, told the Gazette: “I have been invited to become the new president and I have accepted.

“I was very surprised and thrilled to receive the invitation and it is a great honour for me.

“I don’t really know what the presidency involves, but it is my guess you can put as much into the role as you want to.

“It is the type of position that can take up most of your time if you want it to.”

A member of Colchester Golf Club, Wright has been heavily involved with the PGA since retiring from his job with the Norwich Union and he played a big part in the day-to-day running of this year’s PGA Seniors Championship at Stoke-by-Nayland in the summer.

The younger brother of former Colchester United left-winger Peter, Wright made his name as a keen cricketer and rugby player at Colchester Royal Grammar School in his youth.

And as a talented opening batsman and captain with his home town club his exploits were quickly spotted by Essex County Cricket Club.

He went on to enjoy ten seasons with the county, making four First Class appearances for the first eleven in the 1960s.