TRIBUTES have been paid to a St Asaph Cricket Club stalwart who has died.

Ken Hodgkinson, a figure synonymous with the club and city for seven decades, died on Tuesday morning.

In a Tweet, St Asaph Cricket Club said: "On a very dark day for our club it is with great sadness that I must give you the news that Ken Hodgkinson (our president and life member) sadly passed away earlier this morning. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family at this very sad time."

Paying tribute, St Asaph Cricket Club chairman Gareth Ryan said: "It's very sad news.

"He was part of the furniture at the cricket club.

"He was a life member and president of the club."

Mr Hodgkinson was a skilful swing bowler and he started playing for St Asaph in the late 1940s.

"He was a very skilful swing bowler who could swing it either way," added Mr Ryan.

"He played until he was 62.

"He played for the first team and he also played for the county."

Mr Hodgkinson was captain of the club for four years in the mid-1980s, while he was synonymous with St Asaph Cricket Club in so many other roles.

He was chairman of the club between 2003 and 2010, while he has been the president since then.

In addition, Mr Hodgkinson was the groundsman at Elwy Grove Park for two decades from 1995.

Mr Hodgkinson was always forthcoming with coaching advice for youngsters with an interest in cricket.

"He had time for everybody," said Mr Ryan.

"Ken was always there and he was a real good bloke.

"He never spoke ill of anybody.

"He was one of life's good eggs.

"He has been ill for the last few years, but he has still been coming down offering advice."

CAPTION: Ken Hodgkinson (far right, back row) pictured with the St Asaph team in 2006