Former football league linesman and local cricket player and umpire Rodney Harris has died aged 65, after a long illness.

Rod, as he was always known, from Fordwells near Witney, was well-known in local football and cricket circles, playing cricket for Witney Swifts, Minster Lovell and Swinbrook, before taking up umpiring after his health began to deteriorate.

And despite his illness, he also continued to referee in the Witney & District League, often on crutches, and was a popular character.

He later became an assessor, as his wish was to pass on his knowledge of the game to young up and coming referees. An all-round cricketer, left-arm seam bowler and batsman, he spent many years playing in west Oxfordshire.

He was president of Swinbrook CC, and vice president of Minster Lovell and the Oxfordshire Cricket Association.

Dave Lewis, chairman of Minster Lovell, said: “Rod was not only a good friend, but was also a good servant to Minster Lovell CC for a number of years.

“He also played for Oxfordshire Over 50s and went on tour with them to Barbados in 1995 and 1999. He leaves a wife Livvy, two grown-up children, Justin and Samantha and stepsons Mark and Simon Stapleton.

A minute’s silence is to be observed at all Witney & District League games on Saturday.