A LONG-standing and well-respected member of a Gravesham cricket club has died.

Freddie Hurley, described by his friends and family as an "absolute gentleman" died suddenly on Wednesday, August 27 aged 83.

The Meopham Cricket Club member was well known for his continuous hard work in keeping the village green looking pristine for more than 20 years.

As well as being curator of the green, cricket-mad Freddie was also a former chairman of the club and had been president for the past four years.

Current club chairman Tony Wade revealed how much Mr Hurely would be missed by all who knew him.

Mr Wade said: "Freddie Hurley has been a long standing and committed playing member, past chairman and president of Meopham Cricket Club.

"His vast experience and efforts on Meopham Green will be sorely missed by all the members and all who knew him."

Mr Hurley was also known to the people of Meopham as ‘The Farmer’.

After leaving the Royal Air Force in 1953 Freddie began farming in the area which he did for many years and he also served for the parish council.

But his real passion was always his love of cricket and his friends at MCC.

In the summer months Freddie would always cut the grass at least twice a week and would ‘prepare the wicket’ every Saturday and Sunday.

His son-in-law Ian Jones said: "He was an absolute gentleman in every sense of the word. He managed the green so well. If anyone has every driven past and seen an old boy on a tractor that was probably him." Freddie Hurley leaves behind his wife Paulene, and their children and grandchildren.