A WELL-known cricketer has died after suffering a heart attack yesterday.

Father-of-two Phil Astin, 58, has been a member of Lowerhouse Cricket Club for more than half a century.

The long-serving cricketer and groundsman had been on life support since suffering a massive heart attack yesterday morning.

His family, including his children Christopher and Nicola, had to make the difficult decision to turn off the life support machine.

Mr Astin played 326 Lancashire League games for Lowerhouse between the early 1970s and 1994 and had captained the first, second and third teams before taking a groundsman course.

Club chairman Stan Heaton said: “We are all absolutely devastated.

"Phil was a popular figure and will always be remembered for his hard work and devotion to the club.

"Phil was without doubt a stalwart. Without men like him club’s like Lowerhouse would not exist."

Mr Astin lived most of his life in Burnley, apart from a brief spell when he moved to Manchester.

He also played for Weaste Cricket Club as part of the Manchester Cricket Association.

Mr Heaton said: “Phil was a good team player and importantly a good cricketer.”

He played against some of the best cricketers in the Lancashire league and often scored runs past them.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I intend to do something to honour his memory.”