LITTLE Lever's second-highest amateur wicket-taker in history, Eric Hackin, has died aged 85.

He took 280 wickets at an average of 16.3 runs during his career at Victory Road.

Mr Hackin joined Little Lever in 1952 after completing his national service in 1952, teaming up with his younger brother Neil who was already playing for the club.

Eric was quickly promoted to the first team as a fast bowler and remained in the side for a decade.

He was a member of the 1957 and 1958 teams which won the league championship and the Hamer Cup.

In 1960 he would have won the league bowling prize after taking 56 wickets at 10.3 runs per wicket, but his entry arrived late due to a clerical error.

Despite not being known as a batsman, always batting at number 11, he holds the club record for a last-wicket stand of 91 with Geoff Yates against Eagley.

Eric retired from first-team cricket after suffering a collapsed lung, later taking up tennis and golf, playing for the seniors team at Turton Golf Club.

He worked as an engineer for 25 years before starting his own company making wooden pallets.