POPULAR footballer and cricketer Peter Wyndham Lewis has died at the age of 65.

Born in Ammanford, Wales, Peter moved with his parents and grandparents to Parkstone, near Branksome Recreation Ground in 1959.

He attended Martin Road School where his lifelong passion for football and cricket first took hold, before going to Seldown School and then Kemp Welch where throughout his early years he excelled in playing for his school team, the schools' district team and the county teams.

After leaving school he worked for Fletchamoore Ltd in Parkstone and then set up his own business Peter Lewis Surfacing Ltd at Corfe Mullen with six former colleagues in the mid 1990s.

In the early 1970s Peter played football in the Bournemouth League and then the Dorset Combination League for Longfleet St Mary's FC and Hamworthy United FC, plus a number of other teams during the 1970s and 80s. For several years he played for a successful Flight Refuelling FC team in the late 1980s before hanging up his boots.

"When he was asked to become involved with the cub football team he readily agreed and went on to run a youth team for Corfe Mullen United FC until 1994", said his son Phil Lewis.

Peter also loved cricket and played for Bournemouth Sports Cricket Club as a 14 year old in their men's team, moving to Poole Old Grammarians at Poole Park where he played for nearly 20 years.

"He was a fast bowling hard hitting all rounder in the Ian Botham mould and regularly hit balls into the zoo that used to be in Poole Park".

In 1996 he moved to Corfe Mullen Cricket Club to manage the youth cricket team. He continued playing cricket until 2010 and then went on to umpire, score and help with the teas on a regular basis for a few more years.

Peter became the chairman of the cricket club in 2001, overseeing the club rise through the Dorset League and helped with the grass wicket that was put in at Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground.

He joined the Corfe Mullen Sports Association as the cricket club representative and then chairman.

Peter was also a member of Dorset over 50s cricket, playing for ECB for nine years until 2010 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He was also chairman of the Wimborne Evening League for many years and enjoyed the Campbell Cup final every year handing out trophies and the man of the match awards.

He continued his duties and attended most of the Dorset over 50 cricket matches, not letting his illness hold him back from enjoying life to the fullest.

"Over the years Peter made many friends through football and cricket. He was a friend to everyone that knew him", said Phil.

Peter died on January 31 and is survived by his wife Diane, sons Phil, Colin and Karl, and grandchildren Taylor, Grace and Freddie.

His funeral took place at Poole Crematorium on February 16. Donations were made to Brain Tumour Support.