The sad news of the passing of local cricket legend Graham Crimp MBE was announced yesterday and tributes have poured in from the Penarth sporting community.

Mr Crimp died yesterday on Tuesday the 15th of April 2020.

He was the Presidents of the Penarth Cricket Club for 50 years and had received an MBE for his contribution to grassroots sport in Wales.

His contribution to community sport was integral in Penarth and many groups have spoken of their admiration and appreciation for the ''legend of a man''.

Penarth Cricket Club made a touching tribute to their longstanding President and friend.

They said: ''We write with the deepest regret to let you know about the passing of our President Graham Crimp MBE, this morning at the age of 91.

''Graham's contribution to Penarth CC has been truly colossal and this was very much a long innings of dedication and service to the club.

''Graham served as President, Secretary, captain, in fact, most roles required to run a club he had worked them tirelessly.

''Graham's service went much wider though and it is difficult to summarise Graham's contribution to cricket and sport in Wales in general.

''Graham served roles with Cricket Wales and Wales Minor Counties as well as captaining our own club, PenarthHockey and Glamorgan Golf. Closer to home and serving as secretary and president of our club for over 50 years.

''Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Peggy, sons Robert and Anthony, his grandchildren, including our own Morgan and Steffan, and their wider family. He will be greatly missed by us all.''

Cricket Wales also posted a moving tribute to Mr Crimp.

They said: ''Cricket Wales is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Graham Crimp MBE, this morning at the age of 91.

''It is difficult to summarise Graham's contribution to cricket in Wales let alone to sport in Wales in general. Graham was a very active member of cricket administration in Wales for many years and his roles have been many and varied.

''Specifically, Graham was the first treasurer of the Cricket Board of Wales when it was set up in 1996 and served in that role for many years.

''Graham had however served for much longer beforehand in terms of being a previous treasurer (25 years) and chairman of the Welsh Cricket Association as well as having been involved in leagues and Wales Minor Counties cricket administration.

''He also spent countless hours on the running of the game like administering the Welsh Cup.

''For over 50 years he was club secretary and more lately President in his hometown at Penarth CC.

''A previous captain, he fulfilled most roles required to run a club and Graham had worked them tirelessly.

''Graham was very active as a board member on the Sports Council for Wales before it became Sport Wales as well as the Welsh Sports Association. There weren't many administrative committees that Graham hadn't served on at some stage.

''We all come together to wish his wife Peggy, his sons Tony and Robert and their families our deepest condolences and to express the greatest gratitude, thanks for all his service to Cricket in Wales.''

The Old Penarthians RFC said: ''Our sincere condolences to Peggy, Anthony, Robert and all the Crimp family at this very difficult time - a legend of a man who will be missed by all his many friends at the Old Pens.''