GOOD news for Worcestershire cricket followers - Graeme Hick is back to his best!

And to prove it the 36-year-old star re-wrote the record books yesterday by notching 315 not out, the highest score by a County batsman at New Road.

It eclipsed the 311 not out that former Worcestershire fav-ourite Glenn Turner made against Warwickhire in 1982.

Over the years Hick has been a regular record-breaker for the County, none more so than in 1988 when he piled up an unbeaten 405 off the Somerset attack at Taunton.

Up until yesterday, however, the popular run-machine had not been scaling such heady heights this season as in the past.

But those who have watched Hick over the years knew it was only going to be a matter of time before one county or another was going to come under the cosh.

Unfortunately for stunnedDurham it was them - and at a time when they are badly depleted by injuries.

When Hick finally called it a day by declaring Worcestershire's first innings on a massive 643-7 he had flayed two sixes and 49 fours off 386 deliveries.

Afterwards he was typically modest about his chanceless effort.

Although obviously happy about passing 300 for the third time in his illustrious career he was more pleased for the fans who, as he says, have followed through the thick and thin times.

Hick is undoubtedly one of Worcestershire's all-time greats.

And who knows what his record will be when he finally hangs up his bat!