ONE of the most popular cricketers of his day in the Lancashire League has died suddenly at the age of 54.

George Croisdale, a left arm opening bowler and hard-hitting batsman for Rawtenstall for many seasons collapsed and died of a heart attack on Sunday.

He became ill in a friend's car and although he was taken straight to Bury General Hospital, medical staff were unable to revive him.

George, who lived in Heather Bank, Balladen, Rawtenstall, worked as a machine operative at Hardmanor Ltd, Newhallhey.

He also helped out behind the bar at the Whitchaff Inn, Bury Road.

Licensee Barry Pilkington said: "He was a very popular and wonderful man who will be missed by many. We are all very upset by what has happened, it has come as a terrible shock.''

Behind the bar at the Whitchaff is one of George's many trophies, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph trophy presented in 1976 for the fastest amateur 50 of the season scored in only 26 minutes against Todmorden.

George, who was divorced, leaves a son and daughter, Brian and Michelle, and two sisters, Brenda and Anne.

The funeral will take place from Fred Hamer's chapel of rest at Rawtenstall at 10.45am on Wednesday, January 13, prior to cremation at Burnley at 11.30am.

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