A POPULAR cricketer from Padiham has died at the age of 30.

Tributes have been paid to James Ibbotson who is thought to have died in his sleep at his home on Sunday.

Friends and colleagues at Padiham Cricket Club today abandoned the third team’s home game against Settle as a mark of respect to the father of one.

Club secretary Amanda Hall said: “Everyone here is just really upset and we are still trying to take it in.

“People thought the world of James and he was everyone’s friend.”

He played mainly for the club’s second team, and occasionally turned out for the first team.

James was a keen batsman, and had played for the club since he was a junior.

But many will also remember him for his role as a committee member which involved him under-taking a number of functions at the club, including bar duties.

The club has also decided to abandon two junior fixtures against Clitheroe which were set to take place this week in the under 11s and under 13s.

Mrs Hall added: “The lads would have been just too upset to play in any event.”

The cause of death is not yet known.