HUNDREDS have shared their heartbreak over the news that Trowbridge Cricket Club chairman Brian Scrine has died.

Tributes have flooded in from across Wiltshire to pay their respects to the 78-year-old who died at his home in Wyke Road, Hilperton Marsh, on Monday night.

Mr Scrine was well known for setting up Alpha Taxis half a century ago, for coaching Hilperton Football Club and for captaining Bradford on Avon Cricket Club for 20 years.

Christine Davies, who was Mr Scrine’s partner for 34 years, said the love and support from people that knew him has meant the world to her.

“I have been blown away by the huge amount of support I have received – it has been incredible,” she said.

“He meant a lot to a lot of people, which is very nice. So many thought very highly of him.

“We met at a football match in 1983 and then I went to work as a taxi driver at Alpha Taxis for some time.

“We got to know each other through that. He has always been a very nice man. He didn’t argue with people. We will all miss him.”

Christine said the cause of death was not yet known and a funeral date has not been set.

Trowbridge Cricket Club’s club captain, Scott Mitchell, said: “We had a drink at the club and paid our respects on Tuesday evening.

“We have a match against Burbage on Saturday so we will fly the flag at half mast and do a minute’s silence.

“I knew him very well. For what he has done for the cricket club, other sporting clubs in Wiltshire and for Alpha Taxis, he was a Trowbridge legend.”

On top of the cards Christine received from well-wishers, others took to social media to pay their respects to Mr Scrine.

Ali Goddard posted on Facebook: “A man who would never say no to a request. A man who would always be there if you needed him. A man who gave his time without question and without asking for anything in return. Trowbridge Cricket has lost a great person, but the game of cricket has lost a great custodian.

“The game will be poorer without you Brian. We never could have thanked you enough.”

Bob-Bogdan Farion posted: “Very sad news. RIP Scriner. I was proud to be part of Brian’s other love of sport.

“He was manager of the very successful Hilperton football club, and he helped me start up the youth section-which later became the Trowbridge’s Town youth team.”

Cricket club players plan on organising a charity match at the end of August for Mr Scrine, who also was a lover of skittles and snooker.