A THANKSGIVING service to celebrate the life of former Somerset cricketer Keith Jennings will be held at St Michael's Parish Church, Milverton, on Friday, June 21 (2p.m.).

Keith, who was 70, passed away suddenly at Musgrove Park Hospital on Tuesday, June 4.

Born in Wellington, Keith grew up playing his cricket for Milverton where he worked in the family business as a carpenter and joiner.

He went on to become an integral part of the Glory Years' team at Somerset which won five one day trophies in as many seasons.

Despite Somerset having many international players available, Keith maintained his place in the county line up.

Keith was one of the unsung heroes of the side that Brian Close built and Brian Rose took over the captaincy which included many local talented young cricketers.

He played his final match for Somerset's first team in 1981 and left county cricket to return to the family business.

During his Somerset career Keith played in 68 first class matches in which he took 96 wickets at 35.44 and 88 List A matches, taking 104 wickets at 24.70.

The service at Milverton will be followed by refreshments at Milverton Cricket Club. Donations to the Macmillan Cancer Support & Love Musgrove.