A TALENTED wicketkeeper and father-of-three died suddenly at home after falling down stairs.

Peter Worsley, known affectionately in the cricketing world as Ben, fell at his Padiham home in Stockbridge Road.

A post-mortem examination was due to be held today into the death of the 41-year-old who played for Read Cricket Club.

Read's first, second and third team matches were postponed on Saturday and a minute's silence was held before every Ribblesdale League game as mark of respect.

Club secretary David Marshall, who had known Ben all his life, said: "I have been speaking to a lot of people about Ben and they have said they think he was the best wicketkeeper in the league.

"He could have played for Lancashire, but he was loyal to his home team." Ben also used to play as goalkeeper for Read Football Club and had been a member of a potholing club in Padiham.

David said: "He loved cricket. It wasn't just his ability, which was very high, it was his personality.

"He was a fun person and his enjoyment of the game shone through.

"Everyone has been deeply shocked by what has happened.

"There is no way the teams could have played their matches on Saturday and the league was very understanding.

"Even when things were not going our team's way you could always rely on Ben to encourage the players and boost morale."

Mr Worsley was married to Elizabeth and they have three daughters in junior school. He also leaves his parents and his sister.

He was a weaver by trade but latterly had worked for Lucas in Burnley for many years.

East Lancashire coroner David Smith has been informed.

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