WORCESTERSHIRE legend Phil Neale returned to New Road to present the 2017 caps to the current squad in the traditional ceremony now held each spring during the Chairman's lunch.

Overseas signing John Hastings, new skipper Joe Leach and the rest of the players received their caps off England operations manager Neale.

Neale led the County through the second golden age in the County's history to seven trophies in five years between 1987 and 1991.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes, who was part of that all-conquering side, played the significant role in the launch of the caps ceremony in 2015.

He said: "A lot of people have worn the Worcestershire cap through the years, the likes of Don Kenyon, Tom Graveney, Basil D'Oliveira, Ian Botham, Graeme Hick etc.

"Each and every one of our players wears that cap with the same pride as well.

"This is the third year where we made the Chairman Lunch a celebration for handing out the cap for that particular season.

"On the back of the cap is the specific year and on the front is the number of the player in relation to when they first played Championship cricket for Worcestershire.

"There are only 500 and they are very much an elite band and I do ask all our players to wear that cap and badge with pride - as did all the other guys."

The luncheon also saw former director of catering Steve Gibbs presented with a Worcestershire life membership.

He retired earlier this year after 28 years' service.

Neale also handed out special caps in presentation boxes for players who have now joined the list of players who have played 90 matches for Worcestershire.

Number 459 - Ben Cox.

Number 476 - Joe Leach.

Number 477 - Brett D'Oliveira.

Number 484 - Ross Whiteley.

Number 485 - Tom Kohler-Cadmore.