BOLTON lost one of its most influential and generous sporting figures when Anthony Axford passed away today.

The man who built up one of the town’s most well-known businesses since launching his timber merchants firm in 1960 also did possibly more than anyone to support local cricket.

He was chairman of Farnworth Cricket Club – having switched from neighbours Farnworth Social Circle where he played his cricket when his son Martin joined them – and chairman of Bolton Cricket Club.

But his importance to local cricket stretched much further than titles.

By sponsoring the town’s two cricket leagues for many years all clubs benefited from his financial support.

The town’s rich cricket heritage has a lot to thank Tony for.

His support didn’t stop there. He also sponsored Bolton schoolboys’ cricket team.

Not surprisingly his support began when Martin started playing in the team. But what is unusual is that his sponsorship did not stop after Martin finished playing for them.

Tony retained his interest, continuing to help the town’s top young players with his financial backing, which continued right up to his death.

He was universally respected within local cricket as much for his love of the game as for what he did for it.

The respect he commanded was illustrated just a few days before his death when former Farnworth professional Vasbert Drakes had to change planes in London.

His plane landed at Gatwick in the morning and he was to pick up a flight out of Heathrow at night. Just time for a trip to Farnworth to see Tony!

“He said he wanted to see him because of everything he did for him when he played here,” said Martin.

“I told him he’d never make it in time to get back for his plane but he said he had to come to see my dad.

“He got the train here and had a couple of hours then got the train back. it was an amazing thing to do but he said he just wanted to see him because he was grateful for all dad did for him.

“And he gave dad the medal he got as coach of the West Indies team that won the World Cup. It’s a ring and he put it on dad’s finger and it was dad’s prized possession in all his years in cricket.”

Bolton is steeped in local cricket with one of the longest histories in the world and one of the strongest leagues around.

Anthony Axford is one of the reasons.