CRICKETER Bob Collins has died, aged 33, a few days after collapsing at his home.

Bob played for Haslingden and Accrington clubs before moving to Baxenden, where he was playing last season.

He had been a keen sportsman since he was at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and went on to represent Haslingden in the first 11 as opening batsman.

He also enjoyed football and played for Helmshore United and latterly Oswaldtwistle St Mary's .

Bob and his wife, Wendy, of Queen's Road West, Accrington, had been out with friends at Baxenden Cricket club last Saturday night. On Sunday he collapsed at home and was rushed to Hope Hospital in Salford, but died on Thursday morning.

Chairman of Haslingden Cricket Club Ernie Taylor paid tribute to Bob, saying: "He was a very popular lad. He was such an amiable sort of guy who would not argue or fall out with people and would always accept other people's points of view. "We are very saddened and everyone at Haslingden sends their sympathy to his family." The coroner has been informed.

Bob was an executive officer for the Benefits Agency in Lytham, but was well known in offices around East Lancashire.

He leaves a step-son Ben, 11, a daughter Lily, five, a brother and sisters and his mother.

The funeral will be at St James' Church, Haslingden, before a cremation at Accrington, but the family have not been able to fix a date yet.

There will be family flowers only by request, but donations may be sent to the Neurosurgical Unit at Hope Hospital, Salford.

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