South Petherwin Cricket Club have announced the death of their chairman, Derek Clements, at the age of 72.

Club secretary Roger Gerry said: ‘Derek passed away on Wednesday morning in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. He was admitted into hospital two weeks ago with a lung condition; unfortunately, there wasn’t a cure and the illness progressively worsened.’

Mr Gerry added: ‘Derek will be sadly missed by his family and his extended family at South Petherwin CC.

‘He was an ever-present at the club for over 35 years, serving as a player, as first and second team captain, and later as chairman of the club.

‘With his wife Jean, he also successfully made numerous funding applications and organised fundraising.

‘He was so proud of the improvements to the playing facility and playing surfaces at the Penfoot field, he took great pride in his wicket preparation. The void that he has left will take some filling.’

Derek was a great supporter of the Cornwall Over 50s team and was immensely proud of his son Paul skippering the Cornwall ECB side.