A veteran cricketer collapsed and died at the crease after running a single.

Colin Shepherd, 63, was batting for Belsay Cricket Club's Second XI, on Saturday, when he collapsed between the stumps.

Two of his teammates attempted to resuscitate him at the ground, but he did not recover.

Yesterday, his devastated wife Ann described him as a popular community figure, and caring father, who died "doing what he loved".

"It's been such a shock," she said, "I just keep expecting him to walk through the door.

"He lived and breathed cricket, and it was a huge part of his life.

"We've only just booked our holiday for next year, and were going to go on a Saturday, but he said, 'No, I'll go on a Sunday and miss two games - but I won't miss three.'

"That's how he was. He never had a bad word to say about anybody."

Mr Shepherd, a credit controller, of Cramlington, Northumberland, had been a keen amateur cricket player for more than 40 years.

As well as captaining Belsay's second XI, he had also played at Morpeth, Northumberland and he was a member of the county side for the Over-50s.

He collapsed at around 6pm, with just four overs left to bowl during the home match against Chopwell Cricket Club, the final fixture of the season.

Belsay chairman Mitchell Moore, who was batting with Mr Shepherd when he collapsed said: "We had just run for a single, and he collapsed. It's a terrible shock.

"The players have been left devastated."

Mr Shepherd had helped encourage younger members at the club, latterly giving up his place to ensure they gained the experience they needed.

He leaves a son, Mark, 35, and stepdaughters Fiona, 37, and Sandra, 35. His family now plan to scatter his ashes at the ground where he died. .