TRIBUTES have been paid to an 'absolute legend' from the New Forest who died in a Fordingbridge nursing home.

Hugh Crofton died last month aged 79 after dedicating many years to local cricket to further the cause of generations of young cricketers.

He ran the Forest Wagtails cricket team (latterly Robins CC) besides running his own XI for the benefit of young players, mainly in the school holidays, ferrying teams around in a variety of modes of transport.

After Army national service, Hugh became a school teacher, taking English and sport.

He had links with Brockenhurst and Burley and in his playing days was a wicketkeeper, noted for his large old style wicket-keeping pads, equipment which reflected his enthusiastic but eccentric nature and manner.

Numerous cricketing tales abound about Hugh whose well-attended funeral service was held in St Nicholas Church, Brockenhurst.

Former Burley cricket player Simon Rowley described Hugh, who he has known for the best part of 40 years, as an absolute legend.

"People who played cricket in the Forest area in the 1970s and 80s will know Hugh, he was such a character," Simon said.

"There are so many tales to tell about Hugh. He was someone who was so enthusiastic about cricket and was thought of very highly by lots of people in very high places."