FORMER Lancashire captain and President Joe Blackledge has died, aged 79.

The Chorley-born batsman was appointed skipper of the county in 1962, despite having had no previous first-class experience. He showed his talent by making 68 on his debut against Glamorgan, but stood down at the end of that season and returned to running his textile business with his nephew, the former England rugby captain Bill Beaumont.

Blackledge, who also captained Chorley in the Northern League, was elected onto the Lancashire Committee in 1987 and served on the House/Ground and Cricket/Finance sub committees. He became a Vice-President in 1996 and was elected President of the club in 2001.

He leaves a wife and three daughters. The funeral will take place at Croston Parish Church this Friday at 1.30pm, followed by private cremation at Southport Crematorium.

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