Durham Cricket Club's Geoff Cook has heart attack

Geoff Cook was born in Middlesbrough

Durham Cricket Club's head coach Geoff Cook remains in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack, the club said.

The Middlesbrough-born 61-year-old was taken ill at the club's Chester-le-Street ground early on Thursday.

A spokesman for the club said he remains in hospital and his condition is described as critical but stable.

It said: "The club has been inundated with well wishes for Geoff and our thoughts continue to be with Geoff, Judith and his family. "

Durham skipper Paul Collingwood has tweeted: "All our thoughts with Geoff Cook and his family - Sad sad day" while the former England captain Michael Vaughan said "A great man.. Get well soon Geoff."

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior added: "Thoughts are with Geoff Cook and his family at this time. Fingers crossed for a full and speedy recovery."

Durham are due to host Hampshire at the Emirates ICG on Saturday in a Yorkshire Bank 40 match.

Cook, became director of cricket at Durham when they became a first-class county in 1991.

Mr Cook played in seven Tests and six one-day internationals for England in 1982 and 1983.

He was named as head coach in 2007, immediately winning the Friends Provident Trophy, and brought the club consecutive county championship titles in 2008 and 2009.