ONE of the Bolton cricket's greatest ever batsmen has died.

David Hindle died on Thursday, October 29, at the age of 78.

He played for Bradshaw 140 times in 10 seasons between 1953 and 1970.

The son of Arthur Hindle, another Bradshaw stalwart who played for them in the 1920s, 30s and 40s and was the first player to score a century in the Hamer Cup in 1930, David scored 4,000 runs and won the Bolton League batting prize in 1960.

He also played for Read CC.

He made his debut for Bradshaw along with fellow 16-year-old, the late Denis Hobson who played for Bradshaw all his career, the two boys getting their chance because two of the regular players missed the game to watch Bolton Wanderers play Blackpool in the 1953 FA Cup Final.

David spent about 10 years as a methodist minister and did missionary work. When he returned he had a career in pharmaceuticals, starting as a rep and then in management.

He moved to Scotland where he lived with his wife, Christine, until his death. As well as Christine he leaves two daughters Sarah and Rachel, a son Marcus and three grandchildren Ronan, Thomas and Millie.

The funeral will be at Houndwood Crematorium, Near Eyemouth, Berwickshire, on Thursday, November 12, at 1:30pm.