A CRICKET club expressed its shock as it paid tribute to one of its most dedicated lifelong members who died suddenly, aged 65.

Chappel and Wakes Colne Cricket Club described Ted Wackett as a “club legend” and one of life’s characters who went out of his way to help others, as well as the club he belonged to for three decades.

Club secretary Robin Carter said: “His life was the cricket club and he was a life member of the club.

“He single-handedly ran three colts sides for many years, which took up so much time we never knew how he could fit in all the work involved.”

Mr Wackett, joined the club in 1979 and has since played for all the club sides, at first particularly enjoying batting but later earning the nickname Warnee, after Shane Warne, for his slow bowling, which saw him notch up 1,100 wickets.

He also helped build the club’s recently opened and hard won games room, for use by younger club members and to encourage new youth players in.

Mr Carter said: “He was very proud of the achievements of his colts teams, especially if they had beaten the bigger name clubs, but he always made sure that every player had a bowl or a bat, because it was the taking part that counted.

“Somehow he also managed to umpire and do the scorebook at the same time in every colts game, as well as keeping one eye on his young players.”

Mr Wackett, who was dad to Kate, Tom and Sam, and also a grandad, lived in Fordham and held the job of groundsman, which involved spending many hours preparing wickets and cutting the outfield, among other tasks.

Mr Carter added: “The Cricket Club is in total shock because Ted was such a fit, lively person and part of the furniture.

“His death leaves a massive hole in the club, but hopefully all the boys who have played in the colts teams over the many years will continue Ted’s enthusiasm for the game, so that the club will prosper in the future.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. Ted will be sorely missed but never forgotten.”