TRIBUTES have been paid to a “larger-than-life” sportsman who has died aged 84.

Dave Cowton, a well-known character in Pickering, passed away on Thursday, May 6.

A keen cricketer, his passion for the sport started in the early 1950s before becoming the first team captain of Pickering Cricket Club for 22-years. During this time, the team won seven East Yorkshire Cups and the Yorkshire Championship Trophy in 1981.

He played cricket for Middleton, Stape, Bedale and Thornton le Dale before officially retiring aged 75.

He loved a wide variety of sport including football, dominoes, point-to-point and followed The Saltersgate Farmers Hunt for more than 40 years.

His son, Neil Cowton, described his dad as a mischievous character who loved “a gossip and a chin-wag” with his friends.

“My dad was certainly a mischievous man and extremely competitive in everything he did,” he said.

“He was never a man with a huge amount to say but was a larger-than-life character and a role model to many.

"I loved his honesty – as a child, you knew something was great if dad offered his praise.

"He was an old-school man with a hardworking attitude and a kind heart.”

Born in Bridlington, Dave and his family moved to Low Marishes before the Second World War in 1939. He joined the National Service in the 1950s before pursuing a career as an HGV driver.

He drove a wagon for more than 60 years, predominantly for G E Smith Ltd in Malton, and eventually retired in October 2019 aged 82.

He married Christine in 1959 and they went on to have three children - Denise, Ian and Neil – six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for all their kind words," added Neil.

"To see how well-loved and respected he was; it’s a great comfort to our family.”

A private funeral service will take place at The East Riding Crematorium, Octon, on Thursday, May 20 at 1.30pm.

Anyone wishing to pay their respects can watch the cortege travel around the outfield of Pickering Cricket Club at 12.30pm.