The long-time skipper of Oxenhope Cricket Club has died at the age of 48.

Darren Hopkinson, who was born in the village and lived there all his life, stayed loyal to the village team despite having the talent to play at a higher level.

A manager at Oxenhope spring makers George Emmott (Pawsons), he also coached junior teams at the club in his spare time.

Fellow cricket club member Keith Yates said described Darren as a “great club man and Oxenhope Lad”.

Keith said: “Darren fought his illness with typical bravery and fortitude that epitomised his fighting spirit in his long association with the club.

“He comes from a true Oxenhope cricketing family with his grandfather and father Ken playing with distinction for the club before him.

“His bat is now being carried by his son Lewis, a prominent member of the first eleven. Darren’s wife Jayne, daughter Laura and sister Janet are also stalwarts of the ladies section of the club as was his mother Shirley before them.”

Darren’s family had faced a tough time in recent years, with the loss of his mother and two uncles to cancer.

Darren began playing for Oxenhope Cricket Club as a child, breaking into senior cricket in his early teens and quickly establishing himself as an aggressive opening batter.

Keith said: “Darren scored many centuries for the club and captained the 1st Xi to some of its finest achievements in recent years.

“Darren could have played at a much higher level of local cricket but chose to remain loyal to his village side.

“As well as his batting skills Darren was also a useful change bowler and more than proficient stumper, a true all-rounder who also starred for the village football team as both goalkeeper centre forward.”

“A member of a local opposition club described Darren as a game changer and fierce competitor, but equally someone you could have a pint and a laugh with in the bar after he had ruined your sporting day by inflicting another defeat on you!”

Keith described Darren as a tireless worker for junior cricket, a qualified coach to trained junior sides at Cricket Club and representative sides in the Upper Airedale League.

Keith added: “Darren will be greatly missed at the club and in the village and all our thoughts are with his family and close friends.”