PETER Graham, one of only 13 bowlers to take 1,000 wickets in the JCT600 Bradford League, has died aged 60.

One of the finest league bowlers of his generation, the former Yorkshire Bank, Spen Victoria, Pudsey St Lawrence, Yeadon and Bradford & Bingley player took 1,192 wickets from 1977-2001, placing him fifth in the all-time list.

Graham, who also played Minor Counties cricket for Northumberland, helped Yorkshire win the Over-50s County Championship in 2006 and starred for Guiseley in the Aire-Wharfe League up until that year, was hugely respected wherever he played.

Bradford League president Keith Moss MBE said of the owner of PC Sports in Yeadon: "Everyone connected with the Bradford Cricket League will have been united in their grief with the incredibly sad news that 'PC' has lost his very brave fight.

"PC had a truly distinguished record in the league, which he graced over many years as a fine opening bowler. His early seasons were spent at Yorkshire Bank and Spen Victoria before I had the great pleasure in signing him for Pudsey St Lawrence in the early 1980s to join Mike Bailey in one of the finest opening bowling partnerships in the history of the league.

"They were pivotal in the championship success the club enjoyed in 1984 and 1985.

"Thereafter he played with distinction at Bradford & Bingley and Yeadon before moving into the Aire-Wharfe League with Guiseley.

"In tandem with his cricket in Bradford, he enjoyed much success with Northumberland.

"In an age of declining standards, Peter was the perfect sportsman. He played very hard and fair on the field and was an excellent companion off it.

"Wonderful player, competitive, loyal to his team and colleagues and liked and respected by all.

"No one every spoke ill of PC. Too young to go. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the girls."