Benfleet Cricket Club are mourning the passing of one of their most enthusiatic members, Peter Kaufman, who has died after a long fight against illness at the age of 60.

Peter first joined the club back in 1958 and from 1966, when records were first kept, spun his way to 1,039 wickets in six decades before ill-health forced him to retire from the playing side four years ago.

Born in Epsom, Peter moved to south-east Essex in 1949 and married his wife Tina in 1965. He also leaves three children, Paul, Ruth and Rachel.

At various stages of his career he captained the Sunday 2nds and Saturday 3rds and among the positions he served on the committee was club treasurer.

A teacher throughout his working life his career began at Basildon's Woodlands School and ended at Cooper's Coburn in Upminster.

The funeral service took place at Basildon Crematorium, Pitsea.