Lancashire County Cricket Club has announced the death of its Vice President Edward Slinger, at the age of 85.

Edward Slinger was born in 1938, and grew up in Accrington where he was educated at Accrington Grammar School.

He left the town to study at Oxford University, where he attended Balliol College.

A talented cricketer in his youth, he played for Lancashire Schoolboys in 1952, the Lancashire Federation in 1955 and went on to captain Lancashire's Second XI between 1969 and 1976.

After leaving Balliol College he was admitted to practice as a solicitor in 1961.

Edward made one First Class appearance for the Marylebone Cricket Club against Oxford University in 1967.

Edward played 72 matches in total for Lancashire, whilst also opening the batting for Enfield Cricket Club based in Dill Hall Lane, Accrington.

He was appointed as a circuit judge at Preston Crown Court in 1995, before retiring in 2010.

Edward oversaw cases such as Kevin James Pilling, where the Jury found the scoutmaster guilty of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old boy, and David Buchan, who was found guilty of attempting to murder his wife in Blackpool.

He was also a regular visitor to Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire CCC, and recently attended the Men’s Fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia last month.

Edward was also on the Board of Govenors for Westholme School in Blackburn from 1985 to 2013, who have also paid tribute.

In a statement, Westholme School said: "Edward was a man of exceptional talents and intellect but moreover, he was relentlessly fair, generous and dedicated to the School throughout his 33 years of service, and beyond.

"His four children and a number of his grandchildren all attended Westholme. Edward and his wife Rosalind attended our Prep opening in November and he was delighted to see the progress the School continues to make."

He served on the Lancashire CCC Committee from 1980 to 1998 and was named as a Vice-President and a trustee for the Club.

Edward was also named as Deputy Chairman of the TCCB Discipline Sub-Committee for a period.

In a statement, Lancashire County Cricket Club said:"Lancashire Cricket is saddened to hear the news about the passing of Vice President Edward Slinger, aged 85.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. He will be missed by many."