ASTLEY and Tyldesley Cricket Club has lost one of its oldest members with the death of 80-year-old Roy Carrick.

Roy's first love was football and he was an outstanding player with Tyldesley United, Hindsford and A & T during the days of semi-professionals.

He declined the chance of trials with Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth and in 1953 -- when in his 30s -- he joined A & T CC. It didn't take him long to get into the first team and he was a member of the 1959 side which did the double, the first amateurs to win the Cross Cup and the League.

He served on the cricket committee and supported A & T until ill-health forced him into hospital.

Great-grandfather Roy leaves a wife, Lily, and daughters Maureen and Susan. His grandson Simon Thompson is captain of Kearsley Cricket Club.

The funeral will be on Friday at 11.30am at Overdale East Chapel.