Bishop Auckland stalwart Harry Smurthwaite is retiring from playing and coaching after more then half a century in the game, but he will continue as club secretary for the time being.

He retires after 53 years as a player with the proud record of making over 10,000 runs for Bishop Auckland. the third highest total after Neil Duckworth and Keith Hopper, both still with the club.

Smurthwaite has also taken the highest number of catches for the club, Smurthwaite, now 64, played his first game in 1947 at the age of 11 for the Shildon LNER colts. He progressed to the first XI end helped Shildon BR win the Durham County League in 1962. Smurthwaite joined Bishops in 1966, helping them to the North Yorks and South Durham, Division A title, and has played for them ever since.

In his five seasons as first team captain (1966 and 1970-74), Smurthwaite led the side to the league championship in 1973. Under him, the first team won every cup competition they played in at least once.

Smurthwaite has also been a regular wicket-taker throughout his career. In his younger days he was a seam bowler, later reverting to right arm off-spin. Along with follow veteran Keith Hopper, Smurthwaite has been a regular in the second team In recent seasons, as well as making occasional first team appearances.

Smurthwaite is also giving up his role as junior coach. He helped another club stalwart, Billy Blenkiron, start the juniors in 1976. In those 25 years, Smurthwaite, Blenkiron, Duckworth and others have turned out hundreds of good cricketers and seen the Auckland junior aide regularly win league and cup honours.

A former English and PE teacher at the Bishop Auckland Barrington School, Smurthwaite still does supply teaching, he said: "Nothing lasts forever. I said I would stop playing when I wasn't enjoying it any more, and I'm not enjoying it. I'm tired."