TRIBUTES have been paid to the president of Darwen Cricket Club, who has died aged 81.

Bill Isherwood, described by all at the club as a ‘true gentleman’, dedicated 52 years to the Birch Hall outfit, having started as secretary in 1958.

He stayed in that role until 1967, then took over as chairman from 1968 to 1975, and was president since 2003.

He was a life member and trustee, and also served as treasurer of the Northern County League between 1969 and 1970.

Present secretary Colin Charnock said: “It is a tragic loss to the club.

"He was a true gentleman. Nobody in Darwen had a bad word to say about him.

“He dedicated a lot of his time to the club and, until old age caught up with him about 18 months ago, he was a regular at matches.”

Bill never played for Darwen, or for any other cricket club, but became involved in the administration during his time as general manager of Belgrave Mill.

The owner of the mill, John Watson, was heavily involved in Darwen Cricket Club.

Bill also worked at Walkers Steel in Blackburn.

Current Darwen Cricket Club chairman, Graham Ainslie, said: “Bill was on the committee and he was the one who gave the club direction.

"He was vital in driving the club forward and he was responsible for setting up a fundraising 500 club.”

Club Life member Dave Bonner added: “He always had a word for everyone, one of the strongest handshakes, and the writer of many letters of congratulations to many young cricketers.”

Bill died of a stroke in the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Sunday, April 3.

He leaves wife Dorothy, son Philip, daughter Judith and was grandfather to Nicola, Joanna, Matthew, Abbie and Matt.