Tributes have been paid to Norfolk and Minor Counties cricket stalwart David Armstrong, who has died aged 81.

North Norfolk News: Tributes paid to David Armstrong. Pictures: Supplied by Gail ArmstrongTributes paid to David Armstrong. Pictures: Supplied by Gail Armstrong (Image: Archant)

He was secretary of Norfolk County Cricket Club (NCCC) for 18 years from the late '60s to the early '80s, and president from 2003-7.

And he was secretary of the Minor Counties Cricket Association from 1984 to 2001.

He will also be remembered as a schoolmaster, teaching at Beeston Hall School between 1963 and 1985.

His widow Gail Armstrong said: 'He was a club cricketer in his early days and played for Holt and then for west Norfolk. He played for the Cryptics cricket club and was a playing member of the MCC.

North Norfolk News: Tributes paid to David Armstrong. Back row, far right, with Norfolk County Cricket Club. Pictures: Supplied by Gail ArmstrongTributes paid to David Armstrong. Back row, far right, with Norfolk County Cricket Club. Pictures: Supplied by Gail Armstrong (Image: Archant)

'He was a slow bowler who batted and he once scored a century for the Cryptics.

'He played schoolboy cricket with Henry Blofeld and met Sir Len Hutton when he took a Minor Counties cricket team to Kenya in 1986, and there's a picture of him with cricket umpire David Shepherd.'

They were married for 44 years after meeting at Beeston Hall School, where she was an assistant matron.

They lived in Ridlington in a former farmworkers' cottage for 40 years.

She added: 'He liked music and reading and cricket. He also followed Norwich City FC.'

Born in Thorpe St Andrew rectory where his father HBJ Armstrong was the vicar, the family moved to King's Lynn when he was a child. His father was the vicar at St Margaret's, now Lynn Minster, until he retired.

He went to St John's school in Leatherhead, Surrey, and Selwyn College in Cambridge, his father's old alma mater. He was a chorister at King's College choir school in Cambridge. His two years' National Service included a spell in Fontainebleau, France.

He was the great-grandson of Benjamin Armstrong, vicar of Dereham and famous diary-keeper of Victorian times.

Mrs Armstrong has been membership secretary of NCCC for about 30 years and is also president.

Mr Armstrong had been suffering from Parkinson's for a few years and died at North Walsham and District Memorial Hospital on February 16.

His funeral is at Happisburgh Church today, followed by interment. He played the organ there for many years.