Essex county cricket boss Peter Edwards has died after suffering a heart attack in South Africa.

The 63-year-old county secretary and general manager was in the country with 16 Essex members watching the England Test and triangular series tour when he suffered the heart attack.

He had been in intensive care in a Cape Town hospital for almost three weeks and was said to be on the mend.

However, his condition took a turn for the worse and he died on Friday.

Essex chairman David Acfield said: "For the last 20 years, Peter dedicated himself to the cause of cricket in general and Essex in particular.

"He ensured the club's success on the field was mirrored off it and became one of the most widely respected administrators in the game.

"He was a staunch advocate of county cricket and its traditions and Essex has been extremely fortunate to have had such a devoted secretary/general manager. We will miss him greatly."

Mr Edwards, from Burges Road, Thorpe Bay, was also a keen Southend United fan and was a member of the Lord's Taverners and Marylebone Cricket Club.

He leaves a wife, Sue, and children Stuart and Jackie.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.