ADIE AYMES will celebrate the millennium in style after being granted a benefit by Hampshire.

The popular Hampshire wicket-keeper described himself as "overwhelmed" at the news that 2000 will be his benefit year.

And Hampshire chief executive Tony Baker paid tribute to the teak-tough stumper, who was born on The County Ground doorstep and made his name with Hampshire.

"It's good to see a home grown cricketer come through for such a richly deserved benefit," said Mr Baker.

Aymes said: "As a Southampton lad I used to watch the county as a youngster and it's a great honour to be granted a benefit by my home county."

The news comes as some compensation for Aymes who saw his beloved Arsenal miss out on the Premiership title on Sunday, and it's also a reward for a player who had to show great patience early in his career.

After making his debut in 1987, Aymes then only made eight appearances in four years as he understudied Bobby Parks.

He cemented his place and was capped in 1991, but even then missed out in Hampshire's 1992 B&H Cup triumph through injury.

As well as Hampshire's NatWest Trophy win in 1991, Aymes also starred in another Lord's final, when he guided Hursley Park to the final of the National Village knockout in 1984.

Rated by many pundits as the best wicket-keeper on the county circuit, Aymes has scored more than 7,600 runs and is approaching 650 victims in all forms of cricket.

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