TRIBUTES have been paid to a leading doctor and champion of grassroots cricket who has lost his battle with cancer.

Tony Rose, 61, a consultant anaesthetist at Royal Blackburn Hospital for 29 years until his retirement earlier this year, died in East Lancashire Hospice on Thursday.

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Dr Rose was also a coach and player for East Lancashire Cricket Club, where he had been involved in coaching youngsters for the past 21 years.

Originally from Leicestershire, Dr Rose settled in Sandy Lane, Pleasington, with his wife Therese, after being employed as a consultant in Blackburn in 1986.

Widely respected in his field, he introduced the town’s first epidural programme in the maternity unit.

Dr Rose also leaves sons Brian, Graham and Derek and two granddaughters.

His wife of 36 years, Therese, 60, said: “Tony thought Pleasington was the perfect place to bring up a family and told me he had enjoyed every day of his career at the hospital.

“He loved motorbikes and had three, his pride and joy being a BSA cycle.

“I encouraged him to help coach the under-nines at East Lancashire Cricket Club when one of our sons was there and that started a long association with cricket in Blackburn.”

Chairman of East Lancashire CC, Mark Lomas, said: “Tony was one of those people without whom clubs like ours wouldn’t exist.

“He dedicated his time to coaching and the welfare of our young players and was instrumental in the club gaining ECB accreditation for our coaching programme.

“He was a true gentleman, who got on with everyone he encountered with good humour and encouragement.

“He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all here at the club.”

Dr Rose’s funeral will be a requiem mass at Pleasington Priory at 2.30pm tomorrow.

There will be a wake and celebration of his life at East Lancs CC, Dukes Brow, Blackburn from 4pm onwards.