TRIBUTES have been paid to local cricket stalwart Ken Lee, who has died suddenly at the age of 81.

Associated with Bolton League club Astley Bridge and Central Lancashire League outfit Heywood for four decades, Mr Lee was described by Bridge chairman Ron Fallows as one of the “unsung, unseen heroes” of the cricket scene.

“Ken’s passing is a great loss,” Mr Fallows said of the family man who lived in Astley Bridge.

“He was involved with the club for more than 40 years and served on the committee for more than 30. He only stepped down from his committee duties here about five years ago.

“He really was a genuine unsung and unseen hero. He did so many of the jobs nobody actually sees – the banking, the ordering for the bar, the auditing – a real stalwart member and a very active committee member.

“He did a bit of umpiring and was also a very keen cricket fan, following England in the West Indies as recently as last year.”

Tributes on the official website of the Heywood club, where he was a familiar figure since the late 1970s and where he was a popular reporter ion the team’s fortunes, writing under the pen-name of “Road Manager”, described Mr Lee as “one of a kind”.

Mr Lee leaves a widow, Anthea. His funeral service will take place at St Paul’s Church, Astley Bridge, on Thursday at 10.45pm followed by committal at Overdale East Chapel at 11.45am.

Mrs Lee has invited mourners to a reception in his honour at Astley Bridge Cricket Club following the service.