Berkeley Sports, a name familiar to local cricketers, has a new owner and a new home.

Rod Berkeley, who created the cricket equipment business more than 30 years ago when a long-haul pilot with BOAC/British Airways, has sold it to Patrick Strachan.

Cricketers who have been used to viewing equipment at Mr Berkeley's home in Churt will now be able to make their selection at dedicated premises (Unit 8) on Marsh Farm Trading Estate, Crondall.

Rod Berkeley was a Somerset county player at schools and young cricketers' level, whose aspirations were thwarted by National Service. He trained as an RAF fighter pilot, and moved on to a career as a captain in BOAC/British Airways.

A car accident in mid-career resulted in seven months in hospital, time enough to plan an alternative life, so the idea of Berkeley Sports was born.

Frequent visits to India enabled Rod to meet manufacturers and import cricket equipment, in particular for the younger element, thus pioneering a discount service.

For many years, the Two Counties Youth Competitions, and local events, have been sponsored by Berkeley Sports, and this now involves some 28 clubs with more than 70 teams.

Rod played cricket locally, for both Farnham and Churt, qualified as a cricket coach, and has played a significant part in Surrey's renowned development programme. Many graduates (including Graham Thorpe) at international, county and club levels, have been tutored by Rod who is now an ECB staff coach.

Mr Strachan is a club cricketer of many years standing, who said: "I have known Rod for many years and was even lucky enough to have him as an instructor on both coaching courses I have attended. We have subsequently worked together at Churt.

"I am delighted to be taking on the well-respected business of Berkeley Sports and equally pleased I shall have Rod's enviable expertise and experience for at least the next two years.

"It is my intention to continue to run the business at Crondall along the traditional lines of offering good products at competitive prices, along with expertise on the subject of cricket, a service not generally available in the High Street.

"We will continue to sponsor the Berkeley Sports Two Counties Competition as part of our contribution to the development of youth cricket in the area."

Mr Strachan says he will develop the business by listening to the needs of clubs, schools and other interested parties. "I am confident we will be able to offer them what they need."

He is hopeful of developing the business into other sporting areas in the near future.