THE funeral of Adlington Cricket Club stalwart Harold Parkinson will take place at St Paul's Church, Adlington, on Friday at 12.30pm.

Mr Parkinson died aged 91 on Sunday, March 12.

He lived in Adlington and his connection with his local club went back more than 70 years.

He first played for the club in the Bolton Association when the league resumed after the war in 1947.

He played in the first team until the mid-60s and then played for the second XI.

One of his most memorable days for the club came in 1949 when he scored 80 in a Cross Cup final against Walkden Moor Methodists to help his side to victory.

After finishing playing he went on to become a member of the club's committee, one of the groundsmen and a big supporter.

He was still attending Adlington regularly on matchdays last season and helped on the ground until recent years.

Adlington chairman Nick Chamberlain said: "Harold is a big loss to the club, a link with the past has gone.

"His link with Adlington Cricket Club spanned at least 70 years. One-club men like that who are connected with a club for such a long time are very special.

"He will be sadly missed by all at Adlington."