TRIBUTES have been paid followed the death of a much-loved sportsman from north Durham.

Ken Day, the treasurer of Shotley Bridge Cricket Club in County Durham, died on Saturday, three years after he was diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumour.

He enjoyed a long career working in finance at Shotley Bridge Hospital and lived in Leadgate, but did not marry or have children.

As a goalkeeper, Mr Day played at Annfield Plain in the Wearside League of the 1960s before his football career was brought to an end following a bad hand injury sustained in a game against Hartlepool Reserves.

His main passion was cricket, playing initially for Leadgate and then from the mid 70s for Shotley Bridge.

Paul Nesbit, chairman at Shotley Bridge, said: “Ken opened the batting, often fearlessly facing hostile quick bowling from overseas Test cricketers without the head protection that is used in present times.

“When Ken’s playing career finished, he spent 30 years up to his illness as the cricket club treasurer and carrying out roles behind the bar.

“He was always the first person to be at the club for every game and whenever the club was open. His proudest moment in cricket came when he attended Lords in 2007 and was awarded an ECB OSCA as recognition for his work behind the scenes in cricket.”

The funeral is being held at Our Blessed Lady and St Joseph’s Church at Leadgate on Friday, July 17 at 12.30pm.