TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of Denholme cricket and Conservative clubs who has died after an exceptional innings.

Raymond Greenwood, 93, was a member of the Conservative club for 75 years where his father William was secretary for 43 years until his death in 1969.

His brother Jack, now 83, said Mr Greenwood had always been a keen supporter of sport in the town.

"He lived in Keighley but up until last year would come up to Denholme every Saturday afternoon to watch the cricket.

"Raymond also liked to watch the football team in the park and he was a big follower of Bradford Northern in the days before the Bulls," Jack said.

"And he was a great brother. I had two great brothers."

John Judson, a trustee of the Conservative club, said Raymond was irreplaceable.

"He was an absolutely lovely man from a lovely family who will be sadly missed," Mr Judson said.

The funeral takes place at Oakworth Crematorium at 11.30am tomorrow (March 6) and is expected to be packed with family and friends.

Meanwhile Jack is preparing for the start of Denholme Cricket Club's 2015 season, without Raymond or his other brother Ronnie, who died two years ago.

"I've been hoping to get up there this week to start with the painting and tidying up we always need to do before the start of the season – which is only a few weeks away now," he said.

"And I've also got a trip to London to look forward too as I've been invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May.

"I was awarded the British Empire Medal last year for my voluntary services to cricket in West Yorkshire.

"At Denholme Cricket Club I was the scorer for 40 years and have been a member for 55 years and last year I was invited to Lord's to collect a lifetime achievement award."