The former landlord of the Feathers Hotel in Budleigh Salterton and groundsman of the town’s cricket club Peter Dellar has died aged 65.

Peter, a lifelong cricket enthusiast, lost his battle with cancer on January 21 and his friends at the cricket club have paid tribute.

Despite being born in London Peter spent most of his life in Budleigh.

A keen all round sports enthusiast Peter played for the cricket club as a young man and around ten years ago he took over the running of the clubhouse bar.

Club secretary Kevin Curran said it was a role in which he excelled and enjoyed, no doubt a reminder of the happy times he spent managing The Feathers Hotel..

He said: “For 10 years Peter was very much a fixture at the club and was a well liked everybody.

“It didn’t matter to Pete whether it was our president or some senior England Cricket Board official visiting our ground, or a young colt wishing to use the nets for the first time, Peter gave everyone the same warm welcome and courtesy.”

Many non -club members would pop in to say hello and Peter made many friends particularly within the bird watching community.

Later Peter took on the role of the club’s groundsman and for one season he even managed to do both jobs.

Kevin said: “Despite often working against the elements Peter always managed to turn out excellent wickets and as he grew into this role it was obvious to all how much pride Peter took in ensuring Budleighs wicket was up to the standard of The Premier Division.”

He said that Peter fought his illness ‘stoically and bravely’ carrying on his job until last spring and even after that he was still frequent visitor and was always willing to pass on advice to Chris Gore who helped Peter and eventually took over the job.

Kevin added: “Even in his last few weeks Peter talked of his hope to get down to the club to lend a hand this coming season.

“Many of us will retain our own private and fond memories of Peter and I suspect it would have been his wish to be brief, so I will just finish this tribute with the words of Joel Murphy our Aussie club captain ‘Pete was simply a top bloke’.

“Rest in peace Pete, we will all miss you.”

Peter Dellar leaves two sons, Nick and Chris.

A service will be held at Exeter Crematorium at 4.15pm on Monday February 4.