SUPPORTERS, players and officials of Lowerhouse cricket club have been left devastated by the death of one of their longest serving presidents, David Wren.

The club stalwart, who had joined the club in the 1980s as a committee member, died following surgery last Friday, after being admitted to hospital on January 14.

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Officials said the 64-year-old was well respected and had served as a league rep, secretary, chairman, managing director and as president.

Mr Wren steered the club through ‘dark financial times’ and helped it become the most successful Lancashire League club of the last decade.

Managing director Matthew Stansfield paid tribute to Mr Wren and said the club has lost an ever-present friend.

He said: “David should be regarded as one of the most important individuals in the 150 year history of Lowerhouse Cricket Club.

“David’s legacy extends way beyond bricks, mortar, artificial turf and netting and this is shown in the high regard with which he is held throughout the club and Lancashire League cricket.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern, sympathy and grief from the cricket fraternity.

“Many of us are finding this difficult to come to terms with as we realise that we have lost not only a club stalwart but a dear, reliable and ever present friend.

“A dedicated family man, in David’s eyes Lowerhouse Cricket Club was second only to that family and he felt every win, loss, success and failure more than most.

“Thankfully David has enjoyed our many recent successes and been repaid, in some small part for all his hard work.

“The thoughts and prayers of everybody are with David’s wife Judith, son Andrew and daughter Laura at this very difficult time.”

Mr Wren's service to Lowerhouse Cricket Club was recognised in 2013 when he was appointed president and awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Burnley Community Sports Awards.

Chairman Stan Heaton said: “We are absolutely devastated with the loss.

"He was not only a dear friend but we have lost someone who was so special at the club, he is irreplaceable.

“Apart from the loss for his family, he is a huge loss for cricket as well.”