TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Gloucestershire cricketer who lost his battle with lung disease.

Martin Stovold, 56, played for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club between 1974 and 1982. He leaves behind a wife, Di, a son Kyle and two daughters Kelly and Robyn.

The much admired sportsman was born in Olveston in 1955 and attended the local primary school before going on to Thornbury Grammar School, where he distinguished himself as an expert cricketer and footballer.

Throughout his career, the left-hand batsman and occasional off-spinner made 518 first class and 325 List A runs for Gloucestershire. He played 25 first class matches for the county, with a top score of 75 not out versus Oxford University at The Parks in April 1980. He took 18 catches and also represented the club in 50 Second Eleven Championship games.

A Gloucestershire County Cricket Club spokesman said the father and player would be remembered by all for his sense of humour and for being "diabolically bad" at giving tips for the races.

"Martin was one of the old school and set very high standards of dress and behaviour on and off the pitch for all teams," he said. "He was a great believer in the importance of team ethic believing that this is an essential ingredient of a pupil’s development. Indeed, he was a true sportsman."

In 1979, Mr Stovold, who trained as a teacher, followed in his brother Andy’s footsteps when he became cricket coach at Wynberg School in Cape Town. There, he was instrumental in nurturing the precocious talent of world-famous all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

The player paid tributes to his former mentor.

"So sad to hear the news, Martin was such a special coach," Mr Kallis said.

Mr Stovold initially flitted between Gloucestershire and South Africa, where he met and married his wife Di, before settling down in England and taking up a position as cricket professional and geography teacher at Cheltenham College in 1986.

He was promoted to Master in charge of Cricket in 1993.

Cheltenham College headmaster Dr Alex Peterken said Mr Stovold was a dedicated teacher and an inspiration.

He said: "Just last week he emailed staff from his hospital bed to lament the effect the wet weather was having on the college’s cricket schedule. ‘The tide will turn and the sun will shine’ he said. These proved to be his last public words and the sun now shines on his memory."