A POPULAR stalwart of the local Cricket leagues has died just weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Jim Clarke, of Spring Street, Rishton, was a life member of the Lancashire League after filling the roles of league president, honorary secretary, and assistant secretary over the years.

Mr Clarke had also been involved with Rishton Cricket Club, Rishton Methodist Church, Great Harwood Rotary, Accrington Probus, and was a former secretary of the East Lancashire Scouts.

He had battled dementia for around a year and died last week. Hundreds of people are expected at his funeral tomorrow, at the town’s parish church, St Peter and St Paul’s, from 2pm.

His daughter Anne Alden, 63, of Barden Lane, Burnley, said: “He was a real people person, was always cheerful and positive, and very popular.

“Since he died the response has been wonderful.

“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing and the house is full of cards and flowers.

“Everyone knew him through the cricket and that was what he loved.”

Mr Clarke, who had been living in a care home in Clayton-le-Moors since last April, leaves wife Jean, 90, and daughters Anne and Lynn Gardner, 60, who has flown back from her home in Australia.

He also has two grand-children, Gillian, 29, and Nicola, 26.

Coun Harry Grayson said: “He was a perfect gentleman and everyone in Rishton admired him.

“He did a lot for Rishton people. I know he lived to a very good age, but it is a real sad loss to the town.”

His friend Tony Oldbury, from the Rishton Christian Fellowship, said: “We were asked to pray for him on the Sunday and then we heard he died on the Tuesday. It was very quick.

“Jim was a real stalwart of the town. Everyone knew him and there will be a large number of people at his funeral.”

Bert Hanson, Lancashire League chairman, said: “He was a dedicated man for the league and he was very good at the job. I got on very well with him.”

Mr and Mrs Clarke had been married for 66 years and met while translating war-time intelligence messages.