John Holder first president of the JW Lees Pennine League

John Holder when he officially opened the new building at Thornham Cricket Club

Former county cricketer and First Class umpire John Holder is the first president of the JW Lees Pennine League.

The league has been formed from the Central Lancashire League and Saddleworth and District League, and John played as a professional in both.

He said: "I am honoured, and nothing would please me more than to see success for this new league. I hope, and I shall certainly try, to visit all grounds and clubs."

Rules and regulations were ratified at a meeting on Tuesday, with a couple of alterations to the draft which clubs had been asked to consider.

Bowlers in first XI matches will be limited to 15 overs, not 17, and the start time for matches, other than those at the start and end of the season, will be 1.30pm and not 1pm as had been proposed.

The new league will be allowed eight teams in the 2017 Lancashire Cricket Board Knockout, and those eight will be decided on finishing positions in the 2016 Premiership.