A TEESSIDE man is hoping to play cricket for England this summer.

Tom Stafford, a driver with the family-run funeral firm of Crake and Mallon in Stockton, is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be selected for England Over 60s when the Australia Over 60s side tours the country this summer.

The 65-year-old, who was part of the national side in 2011 and 2012, keeps wicket for Yorkshire Over 60s and has played for Yarm since moving from London in 1962.

Mr Stafford said being selected to represent his country was well worth waiting for. He said: “To get three lions on my shirt was marvellous.”

With no national veteran team touring in 2013, the highlight of his cricketing year was in November when he visited the West Indies with his county side to compete in the inaugural Sir Viv Richards Masters tournament in Antigua.

“On the final day Viv Richards came down to present the trophies along with Curtly Ambrose and Ridley Jacobs,” said Mr Stafford, who has played cricket since he was nine.

“He was really friendly and very chatty and presented me with a prize for getting the most catches and stumpings of the six teams playing.”

Mr Stafford ran his own businesses, including a milk round and a newsagents, until he sold up and retired at the age of 60, since when he has been a part-time driver with Crake and Mallon.

“I enjoy my work as I feel like I am helping people,” he said, “It is a very emotional occasion for the family and I like to feel I have helped them on a difficult day.

Alison Crake, senior partner of Crake and Mallon, said that everyone was rooting for him.

“We all wish him the very best with his cricket at every level he competes at,” she said, “He is not only a great ambassador for the game of cricket but also for our company.”