Most cricket loving Bermudians wouldn't dream of missing a trip to the Caribbean for Test matches.

Former cricketer Junior Durrant is hooked too...but not on cricket and the Caribbean, rather England and badminton which have become a regular part of his vacation plans for the past decade.

The 38-year old president of the Bermuda Badminton Association and a promising opening batsman in his younger days, Durrant has been a regular feature at the All England Badminton Championships since 1984, first at Wembley and now in Birmingham.

Durrant is among the loyal band of volunteers who run the line at the All England and this year the official programme of the tournament honoured him with an article on the Bermuda policeman which included a colour photo of him making a line call.

"I first started coming over in 1984, but since 1986 I've been a line judge,'' Durrant explained in the article.

The All-England is the only big badminton tournament he travels to, costing him over a $1,000 out of his own pocket. "More if I bring my wife Julie and more still if my seven-year-old son Ryan comes as well,'' explained Durrant who is a favourite with both officials and fans alike in England.

"But it's all worth it, I've made some great friends over the years.'' Durrant, who is a referee at the Bermuda International tournament currently taking place at Mount St. Agnes, has been involved in the sport for about 14 years.

In the early 1980s he met former England international Gary Scott at a tournament in Bermuda and it was Scott who ersuaded Durrant to visit the All-England.

"I love the atmosphere of the All-England, the thrill of the matches, particularly the doubles, and meeting up with all my old friends,'' Durrant said.

"It's pretty hectic on the first two or three days. At Wembley it used to be Wednesday and Thursday. Now in Birmingham we are on duty on the Tuesday as well.

"I've been lucky...I've even done some finals as well. That's a great feeling. Obviously I'd love to go to a big tournament in the Far East one day but that would mean flying first to the States or to England and then getting another flight. It would get so costly. But I'm just happy I can get to the All-England.'' These days Durrant isn't playing in the Bermuda International because of his responsibilities as an official. "You can't be a competitor and a referee at the same time,'' he explained.

But one thing he doesn't intend to give up is his annual pilgrimage to England for what is considered the world's top badminton event.

Considering the rising crime in Bermuda, officials in England took no chances in making sure their Bermudian line judge was available this year. A letter from the Badminton Association of England events director, Tom Marrs, was sent to the Police Commissioner to make sure that the 20-year veteran officer was confirmed for his vacation.

"My wife is a badminton player as well so she understands why I want to be there,'' said Durrant. "It gives me a chance to meet up with people like Darren Hall and all my other friends, although I haven't seen Gary for a while.'' IN THE SPOTLIGHT -- Bermuda's Junior Durrant pictured in this year's official All-England Badminton Championships programme.