The treasurer of Dereham Cricket Club, who played a significant part in their rise back up the Norfolk leagues, has died at the age of 71.

Stewart Head was treasurer at the club from 2012 and oversaw the club's recent progression, which culminated in promotion to the Norfolk Cricket Alliance Premier Division last season.

Before he was treasurer, he served on the general committee for many years and helped to rebuild the club after they crashed out of the league in 2005.

His son Tom said: 'The cricket club has kept him going since he retired. I started playing in 1994 for the youth setup and he would always come and watch. He's supported them for a long time.

'Since he retired he has spent a lot of time with his family particularly his only grandchild, Charlie. He was always silly and funny and was trying to make people laugh. He always had a smile on his face.'

Mr Head was previously employed as a general manager for a sign construction company and he lived in Dereham all his life. He played football for Beetley for many years and was also a keen golfer.

He died as a result of heart failure last month.

Joe Marczewski, vice-chairman of Dereham Cricket Club, said: 'He was at the club at its lowest point and saw us get back to the top. It was fitting really that he saw us get back to the premier division.

'He is a huge loss to us and will be so hard to replace. He's been in charge of the finances and has done so much running around to get people interested in sponsoring the club.

'He was one of the kindest people I have met. Nothing was too hard for him and he would always do what he could.'

Norfolk Cricket also paid tribute to Stewart on Twitter, posting: 'We are very sorry to hear of this sad news. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone at Dereham Cricket Club at this tough time.'

Stewart Head's funeral will take place on Friday October 12 at St Nicholas Church, Dereham.