TRIBUTES have been paid to well-known cricket official who has died.

Albert Hanson died on March 29 at The Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The 86-year-old was the beloved husband of Lynn, loving dad of John and the late Anita whilst also being the devoted grandad of Adrian, Michael, Cameron, Leon and Emily and great grandad of George Tobias and Oliver.

Mr Hanson was the chairman of Rawtenstall Cricket Club and he served local cricket circles for more than 40 years.

Bob Johnson, said: "Albert started on the Rawtenstall committee in 1973 and then became chief selector and along with the committee they overseen the most successful times at the club.

"They did the double winning the Lancashire League title and also the Worseley Cup in 1976 then in 1981 and 1982 won the league title then won Worsley Cup in 1985.

"He was chairman of the club between 1982 and 1987 and they had a very successful centenary year.

"He was also invited to join the Lancashire League committee and was assistant secretary in 1988-90."

He came back to Rawtenstall between 1990 and 1996 as first team manager and was also named deputy chairman of the Lancashire League.

Mr Hanson was well-respected at Rawtenstall CC and was made an honorary life member in 2005.

Mr Johnson added: "He was an absolute gentleman and was an icon at Rawtenstall and he was so affable.

"He always had a smile on his face and greeted people he saw.

"He was a gem and had a great sense of humour and had great tales from cricket and experiences and I used to sit with him at matches and chat about them.

"He will be missed as a pillar of cricket in the community."

A funeral service and committal took place on April 14 at Burnley Crematorium.

Donations in lieu of flowers for Rawtenstall Cricket Club and they could be made online at www.fredhamer.co.uk (tributes and donations) C/O Dawn Winfield Dip L.M. B.I.F.D. Fred Hamer Funeral Service, James Street, Rawtenstall, BB4 7NE. Telephone 01706 215721/215791