Hampshire Cricket chairman Rod Bransgrove has paid tribute to the club's patron and former president Wilfrid Weld who has passed away, aged 81.

Wilfrid, who played one game for Hampshire's 2nd XI, joined the Hampshire CCC committee in 1973 and became President of the club in 1990 before moving into the role of Patron in 2002.

He played a hugely influential role in the move to what was then the Rose Bowl and the sale of the club’s former ground, Northlands Road.

Wilfrid also had a significant involvement in Dorset County Cricket Club and was a keen promoter of end-of-season matches and beneficiary events at Lulworth Castle.

He passed away while travelling in Tahiti with his wife Sally earlier this month.

Bransgrove said: "This is desperately sad news for Hampshire Cricket and the broader cricket family. I have never known Hampshire Cricket without Wilfred Weld.

“His charming and statesman-like manner endeared him to all who knew him whether they were players, administrators or supporters and his popularity extended well beyond the borders of Hampshire. Since the Club's move to the Ageas Bowl in 2001, Wilfred has served the Hampshire Cricket Members' Club diligently and passionately as Patron and his previous support for Hampshire CCC spanned decades.

“Along with so many others, I will miss his enthusiasm, his ebullience and good humour. He was a big man, both in stature and in presence, and his loss will leave a great void in the Hampshire Cricket community. At this time, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Sally and the Weld family."

Wilfrid’s funeral takes place at noon on Tuesday, January 5 at Lulworth Castle Chapel, Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset BH20 5QS.