AN EARBY man credited with bringing Lancashire County Cricket captain Glen Chapple to the county, has died.

Jack Cross, 85, died on Tuesday at the Glossop flat he shared with his wife Barbara.

Born on August 23, 1927, Jack worked as a teacher in Gisburn and later a headteacher at Kelbrook Junior School, in Barnoldswick.

A passionate cricket fan, he played and then captained Earby Cricket Club and later performed several roles for Ribblesdale Cricket League including treasurer, umpire, umpire’s secretary and secretary – a position he held from 1974 until 1997 – as well as being a member on the parish council and the Lancashire Cricket Board (LCB) since its inception in 1996.

He also chaired a development sub committee, disciplinary committee and a premier league sub committee.

Jack was immersed in spotting and nurturing young cricketing talent. As well as organising tournaments for youngsters, he’d often attend them. Jack’s friend, Ken Standring, remembered how he spent his 65th birthday.

“Watching a youth final,” he said. “Fighting broke out, parents were unhappy and both sides were arguing over who had won. Jack sorted it out in his own way, calming everybody down.

“It’s because of him Glen [Chapple] went to Lancashire, because Yorkshire didn’t show any interest and Jack got him involved.”

“He was totally committed to youth development. He was a tremendous person full of common sense. When he spoke, people listened.”

Managing director of the Lancashire Cricket Board, Andrew Hayhurst, said Jack was a massive influence. “Jack was a massive influence.

“He was interested in seeing boys play cricket and he was a teacher,” he said. “Apart from anything else, he was a smashing bloke.”

Brian Woodhead, chairman of the Ribblesdale Cricket League, said he was very saddened. “I have tremendous respect for him,” he added.

Jack stepped down from his cricketing responsibility six years ago. He moved to Gloustershire where he lived in close proximity to Glossop Cricket Club’s ground.

He leaves his wife Barbara, daughters Sue and Liz, and grandchildren Daniel and Hannah.