HASLINGDEN Cricket Club's oldest member, known to many as "the gentleman of cricket", has died.

Popular Harry Whittaker's family and friends have paid tribute to his fruitful life after he suffered a heart attack aged 91.

Mr Whittaker's son, Brian, who lives in Australia flew home when he discovered his father had been taken ill to join his sister, Anne Shaw.

The former Lancashire League cricketer, who lived in Ryefield Avenue West, Haslingden, was special guest at the cricket club's recent 150th anniversary and made the main speech at the dinner - amusing fellow cricketers with his sporting tales.

Mr Whittaker, who married Phyllis at Haslingden Congregational Church in 1938, played first team cricket from 1930 to 1952, scoring 3,509 runs, including a century, in his 274 innings.

He later served as acommittee man and was club chairman in 1972. He was made a life member in recognition of his long service.

Throughout his working life, Mr Whittaker was in the local cotton trade, rising from loom sweeper to manager of Lambert's Mill. When his firm was taken over by L.Whittaker And Sons, he became a salesman for his new employer.

Mr Whittaker also sang in the Rossendale Male Voice Choir until he was 80.

Daughter Anne said: "He will be sadly missed because he knew so many people through the church, the choir and the cricket club. Cricket was his main sporting passion. He lived for cricket.

"Wherever he went he was always very smart and will always be remembered for that. He was a real gentleman."

Close friend Chris Aspin, who also lives in Haslingden, said Harry was also the secretary for 60 years of Haslingden New Jerusalem Church.

Mark Rothwell, chairman of Haslingden Cricket Club, said: "He was a regular supporter at both home and away games. He loved the game of cricket. There can be few people in the country who have served and supported a club as long as Harry.

"He showed that he was as sharp as ever at our 150th anniversary dinner. He mesmerised people, young and old, with his elegance and wit."

His family were waiting until after Christmas to organise the funeral.