A MEMORIAL cricket match is to be held in Blackburn to pay tribute to a former head teacher who died last summer.

Friends, family and former pupils will be attending the event at Cherry Tree Cricket Club to remember the life of Alan Robinson on Sunday.

His younger son Anthony, of Crediton Road, Blackburn said they wanted it to be a fun event but also raise awareness about mental health issues.

MORE TOP STORIES:

“He was a long-time member of the club, 50 years he was a member. He was a member there before I was born and I am 38,” said Anthony.

“He was captain of the third team for many years and when he retired he became a vocal coach from the sidelines.

“He was 50 when he played his very last game, we have so many happy memories of the club.”

The family are still involved with the cricket club with Anthony and his brother Andrew recently retiring from playing and their sister Catherine acting as the committee secretary.

Andrew added: “The club wanted to do something in recognition of my dad, he was so well-liked. There was talk of a sponsored walk as he was a keen walker but then a memorial match was felt more appropriate.

“It’s a memorial for my dad where we will remember him with a smile on our face.”

The match starts at 1.30pm on Sunday followed by a disco in the evening. The event is free but any money raised will be donated to the charity Mind.

Alan lived in Blackburn and was former head teacher of St Charles RC Primary in Rishton. He died in June at the age of 70 after a long battle with mental illness.

The family, including Alan’s widow Maureen, invite friends, colleagues and former pupils to attend the event at the club on Preston Old Road, Blackburn.