A POPULAR and well known cricketer who played games all over East Lancashire has been found dead in his car.

Robert Riley, 39, was discovered at 2am on Wednesday by a police officer after his family reported him missing.

His family today revealed how they were struggling to come to terms with the sad loss of a 'larger than life' and devoted father.

Mr Riley was found dead in his car in a car park in Holcombe Brook, Helmshore.

The cause of his death was not immediately known but police said it was not believed to be suspicious.

Robert, known as Bob, of Alder Avenue, Rawtenstall, was well known throughout the Valley after playing in the Ribblesdale League as a batsman for Edenfield and in the Lancashire League for Bacup and Rawtenstall.

Described as a 'likable character' Bob not only enjoyed the game of Cricket but pulled out all the stops to help off the field at Rawtenstall Cricket Club.

Alick Ormerod, manager at Bacup Cricket Club, where Bob played for three years, said: "I spent about three years with us before moving to Rawtenstall a couple of years ago. I am shocked and very surprised to hear this news as I am sure the rest of the cricket scene will be.

"He was always very cheerful and an extremely pleasant guy, who was a likable character.

"When he moved to Rawtenstall, he did a lot of ground work and contributed a great deal to the club and their experiment with floodlit cricket."

Bob's sister, Jacqueline McCarthy, who lives in Buckinghamshire, said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this.

"I spoke to him only a few days ago and he was having a laugh with us, as he usually did. Nobody expected this because on the surface he seemed so happy."

Bob leaves his two children Jeaneene, 15, and Bethany, five.

Bob Wilson, the coroner's officer, said: "Mr Riley was found at around 2am on Wednesday morning in his car after he had been reported missing.

An inquest into his death will be opened next week." The funeral will be held on Friday, April 16 , at St Mary's Church, Rawtenstall, at 11.30am.

A post mortem examination was carried out yesterday.

An inquest is set to be opened on Thursday at 9am.