Tributes have been paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires, who has died aged 74.
Peter was born in Ripon and retained strong links with the city throughout his life, playing both cricket and rugby locally and later contributing to the administration and development of the game.
A spokesperson for Ripon Cricket Club said Peter was a long-standing and influential figure at the club.
They said:
“An invaluable member of the ‘Friday Gang’, [he was a] massive advocate for junior cricket and a regular spectator at senior matches.
“[He was] always a supportive and calming influence to anyone who had the pleasure of being in his company - he was a legend to many at the club, he will be greatly missed by his cricket family.
“Our thoughts are with Gail and the family. RIP Peter.”
Peter first played for Ripon Cricket Club in 1969, averaging 41 in nine innings.
After spells in the Bradford League and with Harrogate Cricket Club, he returned to Ripon in 1984, scoring 959 runs at an average of 53.38.
He went on to record 10 league centuries for the club, including a best of 149 not out against Bedale in 1988, and later served a spell as club chairman.
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Premier League North said:
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Squires, a stalwart at Ripon Cricket Club including a spell as club Chairman.
“Peter was a popular man around the grounds of the old York & District Senior Cricket League, playing for Ripon for many years and making many appearances for Yorkshire County Cricket Club (Official) both first class and limited overs.
“Condolences to Peter's family and friends.”
Peter was inducted into the York & District Senior Cricket League Hall of Fame in 2010.
He was educated at Ripon Grammar School and York St John University and represented Yorkshire in both first-class and limited-overs cricket during the 1970s.
Alongside his cricketing career, Peter also played rugby union for Ripon and Harrogate, and was capped 29 times for England during the 1970s, scoring six tries. He toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 1977.
Ripon Rugby Club said it would hold a minute’s applause in Peter’s memory before its match this weekend.
A minute’s silence will also be observed at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday ahead of the England v Wales match.
Ripon's festive tractor run raises £7,000 for charity
Almost 300 Harrogate NHS patients faced two-month wait for cancer treatment last year
Gaming festival returns to Harrogate for third year
Record number of Ripon pupils receive Oxbridge offers
Where are the best places for afternoon tea in Harrogate?
Which venues have signed up for Harrogate Restaurant Week?
Harrogate powerlifter selected to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games
Pannal girls' teams enjoy special matchday experience at Manchester City
PR skills in high demand as Harrogate small business event sells out
Inspirational Ripon woman nominated for Yorkshire Choice Award following fundraising feat
Plug pulled on toilet fee usage plan
Government refuses to intervene in bottled water factory expansion controversy
Mayor hails new Harrogate College campus on construction site visit
FIRST LOOK: Networking opportunity for professional women in Harrogate
Jones Myers solicitor on track to boost firm's mediation expertise
Holistic wellness centre near Harrogate to host launch event
Successful 'Makers Market' returns to Harrogate this month
Nominations now open for Local Hero Awards 2026
Burglar steals from safe at Knaresborough bookmakers
Nearly 400 objections for Killinghall village expansion
