FORMER professional cricketer Allan Entwistle has died after a short illness at the age of 77.

Allan, who played for Clitheroe, Blackburn Northern and Huddersfield died at Victoria Hospital, Blackpool on Tuesday.

Blackburn-born Allan, who grew up in Guide, started his career playing at East Lancashire Cricket Club before moving to Clitheroe Cricket Club, where he stayed as a professional for 13 years.

He also played two seasons for Huddersfield Cricket Club and after retiring agreed to return to the cricket pitch for one match with Blackburn Northern during which they won a trophy.

He was also involved in the scout movement for 32 years.

He helped with St Thomas' Scouts in Blackburn and the highlight of his time with the scouts was when he was introduced to the Queen Mother and King George VI at Windsor Castle and given the title King Scout.

Allan, who was a life member of Clitheroe Cricket Club, lived at Shap Court, Larkholme, Fleetwood, at the time of his death.

He leaves his wife, Olga, two sons Geoffrey, who is in Australia, and Phil, two step-children, John and Jeanette, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a brother, Raymond.

His funeral will be held at Carlton Crematorium in Poulton-le-Fylde at 11am on Monday. .

The family have asked for donations to the East Lancashire Scanner Appeal.

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