Terry Bates will be remembered as a talented sportsman, coach and volunteer for many of the town's clubs. He also campaigned tirelessly to maintain and protect the Abbey Lawn grounds, forming the Abbey Lawn Action Committee, later known as the Abbey Lawn Sports Clubs.

A former teacher at Bourne County Secondary School, now known as The Robert Manning College, Mr Bates also held a number of senior roles with the English Cricket Board.

Mr Bates died in the ambulance on the way to hospital after suffering a heart attack this morning.

Geoff Greatwood replaced Mr Bates as head of PE at Bourne County Secondary School in April 1973. He is currently chairman of Bourne United Charities and has had a long association with Bourne Cricket Club.

He said: "For the many years I've known him I have served with him on committees and sports clubs. As a sports administrator there can be few who can equal his dedication and commitment.

"The legacy he will leave is the sports facilities that there are in Bourne.

"He was totally committed to the upkeep of sport and the manner in which it was played. He was so hard working, committed and had a total love of sport. He was committed to getting as many people as possible involved in sport and to making sure they had the best possible facilities.

"He will be sadly missed by all the sports clubs and by many people in Bourne and the surrounding area."

Mr Bates also raised money for charity by organising celebrity cricket matches and was a trustee of the Len Pick Trust.

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