HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a local cricketing legend following his death at the age of 98.

Great-grandfather and war veteran Les Pilkington, who was president at Baxenden Cricket Club for more than 50 years and set a batting record that lasted for 65 years during his playing career at Accrington, died in hospital on Friday.

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The former newspaper lino-type setter, and the grandson of former Accrington Stanley vice president Sam Pilkington, was also the football club’s first ever club mascot and captained both Baxenden and Accrington Cricket Clubs.

Former England and Lancashire all-rounder Ian Austin, who began and ended his playing career with Baxenden, is now a committee member, and yesterday paid tribute to Les, who he described as a ‘beloved figure to all involved at Baxenden and the wider cricket community’.

He said: “His association goes back to before the war. He still attended games at the club and showed an interest in the club.

“Everyone will remember him as a kind, generous and energetic man .”

Council leader Miles Parkinson, who last year arranged for Les to be a special guest at Accrington Stanley’s pre-season friendly against Blackburn Rovers, said: “This is sad news but I’m sure for his family and friends the highlights of what Les did throughout his life will be of comfort to them.”

Although never officially part of the club, Les was one of Accrington Stanley’s longest-serving supporters through their turbulent history, having ran out with the players when he was just five years old.

In 1938, alongside professional cricketer Jim Bailey, he set a first wicket record partnership of 179 at Accrington Cricket Club.

The record stood for over 65 years until July 22, 2003, when it was finally beaten by Andre Seymore and Mohsin Ahmed.

After meeting Vera while working at the Accrington Observer, the pair married in 1941 and enjoyed 69 years of marriage until her death five years ago.

He served in the army in the Second World War.

A funeral service will be held from 12.20pm on Friday at Accrington Crematorium in Burnley Road. It will be followed by drinks at Baxenden Cricket Club, Back Lane, where all are welcome to pay respects.