TRIBUTE has been paid following the death of an acclaimed former cricketer.

David Ash – who was 78 – played for Keighley in the Bradford league from 1979 until the early 1990s, and then with Silsden for two years.

He topped the division one bowling averages in 1989, at the age of 45.

Mr Ash, nicknamed Dash, also served as Keighley first-team captain and was a committee member.

He had played for Yorkshire in the 1960s, but struggled to forge his way into the first eleven – which included Geoffrey Boycott, Ray Illingworth and Brian Close.

And he had successful trials at Middlesex in 1968, but opted to play as club professional for Penrith and represent Cumberland.

Mr Ash – who lived at Riddlesden for 50 years – leaves two sons, Nigel and Stuart. His late wife, Jean, died almost exactly a year ago.

"Dad had a gentle manner and will be greatly missed by all who knew him," says Nigel.

"He loved his sport, especially cricket. Even from his hospital bed he was asking me about Jonny Bairstow’s hundred in the West Indies!

"In recent years he had been crown green bowling for Bingley and watching Bradford City FC."