Tributes poured in for John Fulkes, a major figure in both Oxfordshire and Thame youth cricket, who was found dead at his home in Thame on Monday.

Although not a player himself, Mr Fulkes, who was in his mid-50s, arguably did more for Oxon cricket than any other single individual over the past 25 years.

At the time of his death, he was secretary of the Oxfordshire Cricket Board's youth committee and he also managed the county's under 14 side for many years.

Head of the Sixth Form at Lord Williams's, Thame, he also ran the cricket at the school in recent years.

Simon Porter, the Oxfordshire Board chairman said: "John was a totally committed supporter of Oxfordshire youth cricket.

"Very many young cricketers in the county had much for which to thank him. He is a great loss and will be missed by all in Oxfordshire cricket."

Mr Fulkes was in his second spell as chairman of Thame Town CC, where his loss will be particularly keenly felt.

Peter O'Neill, a fellow teacher at Lord Williams's and president of the Thame club and secretary of the OCB, said he would be sadly missed in many areas.

"He made a tremendous contribution to the Thame club in the many and varied duties he undertook," said O'Neill.

"His enthusiasm and commitment was second to none and much of the club's recent success has been down to him.

"The death has come as a shock, not only to those close to him, but to many involved in Oxfordshire cricket."

Surrey captain Jon Batty, who played under Fulkes in the Oxfordshire Under 14 and 15 sides and the junior teams at Thame, said: "The news has hit me like a sledgehammer.

"He had a huge influence on my career. I was very fond of him, and I am not sure I can put into words what he meant to me.

"He did an incredible amount of work for kids with Oxfordshire and at Thame, and I don't think you can praise him enough for that.

"He was tireless and selfless, and he did it all for everybody else. It is very sad."

Dave Lewis, who served on Oxfordshire's youth committee with Mr Fulkes, said: "It's a terrible shock. To me, he was the kingpin for Oxfordshire cricket."