DURHAM’S cricketers are celebrating the most momentous achievement in the club’s short history as a First-Class county.

At 3.56pm on Saturday, Durham were crowned county champions – only 16 years after joining the English game’s elite.

Club members will pay tribute to the squad when they gather at the Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street this afternoon.

Club director Tom Moffat said last night: “I certainly never thought I’d live to see this. It’s a great thrill.”