Gavin Laird has been selected to life membership at Valley Cricket Club after being involved with the team since its inception in 1990.

The batsman began his cricketing career at Waitaki Boys' High School, then moved on to the now defunct Windsor in the 1962/63 season before its integration into the Country team.

The former Otago selector said the presentation was kept heavily under wraps by his family and other club members, initially being told he would be presenting his nephew Kelvin Mansfield with an award before realising he was to be the recipeint of a club plaque and a stool made of rimu collected from the Carisbrook Rose Stand to mark the occasion.

"It was a great night, I thoroughly enjoyed it," he said.

"I'd like to thank them all, it's a great honour and I didn't expect it."

The local cricket stalwart remincised of his first century as one of the standout moments of an illustrious career.

"I've got a lot of fond memories," he said.

"My 100 with Graham Johnson is one. I think I was on 25 and Graham was on 83. I thought, 'if he can do it, I can do it and I beat him to it, but there's been so many (great memories).'"

Valley Club president Hamish McKenzie praised Laird's dedication to the development of local cricket at all levels.

"It stands for itself, 20 odd years with Valley and the clubs that formed Valley before that.

"He's just a guy that always puts his hand up, not just to play but to help out with school kids to mentor them, give them tips and look after them. That's the best you could ask for."