TRIBUTES have been paid to a man dubbed a giant figure in the history of Lancashire League cricket.

Malcolm Heywood, of Todmorden, died peacefully at home at the age of 81 following a battle with cancer. He made an immense contribution to sporting and cultural life as teacher, cricketer, thespian and historian.

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Lancashire League chairman Mike Bibby said: “Malcolm had an immense influence on the league as a player, official, coach and all-round enthusiast. He was respected universally over a period of many decades and produced wonderful books about cricket. He will be missed by all connected with the league.”

Mr Heywood’s initial passion for cricket came from his father, who played for Excelsior in the Todmorden & District League.

Mr Heywood developed into a steady and consistent batsman, representing Todmorden Schoolboys in 1947 and progressing through Todmorden’s 3rd XI and 2nd XI to make his Lancashire League debut for the 1st XI in 1953.

In July 1954 he hit his first half-century, at Enfield. This cemented his place in Todmorden’s 1954 double-winning season, which included the first of his five Worsley Cup finals.

In 1957 he played alongside Todmorden’s rising star Peter Lever, the future England international, as the club secured another league title.

By the early 1960s Mr Heywood, husband to Freda and father to Brian and Alan, was established as one of the league’s most consistent opening bats.

In 1965 he began a five-year stint as Todmorden’s skipper. This included the honour of captaining the great Gary Sobers, Todmorden’s substitute professional in a victory at Bacup in 1965.

A facial injury in 1968 — he was struck by a bouncer from Burnley’s Australian professional Lawrie Mayne — hastened the end of Mr Heywood’s 1st XI career. From 1972 he was an adviser and guide to the club’s 2nd XI. The grandfather-of-three signed off in 1975 by sharing a half-century partnership with Brian in his final match, before serving for many years on the Todmorden committee. He was president of the Lancashire League from 2001 to 2004.

Mr Heywood became a mainstay of the Todmorden Amateur Dramatic Society and from 1956 until 2014 he appeared in at least one local society production every year. He also guested in productions with the Rossendale Players.

Mr Heywood’s passion for cricket was reflected in several books he co-wrote with his wife.

Mr Heywood died last Friday. His funeral will be at St Mary’s Church, Todmorden, at 1.45pm on Tuesday, followed by refreshments at Todmorden Cricket Club.