Tributes are being paid to the “humble and generous” former president of a cricket club who died aged 90.

John Welch died in his sleep on Christmas Day at Lister Hospital in Hitchin after he had a fall at his nursing home in Hertford where he was suffering from dementia.

His funeral was held at The City of London Crematorium on January 19.

Mr Welch was born in Leytonstone in 1925 and lived in Nutter Lane, Wanstead.

He worked in the family business making copper vessels for breweries and played amateur football for Leyton, Romford and Woodford Town.

But cricket was his great love.

Mr Welch was Walthamstow Cricket Club’s second longest serving 1st XI captain between 1959 and 1970 and later became president of the club between 1973 and 1975.

But it was his time as captain of Essex County Cricket Club 2nd XI in the 1960s that he played with future England players such as a teenage Graham Gooch.

He gave him lifts matches in his Rolls Royce, picking him up from outside The George pub in Wanstead.

Mr Gooch ended up playing 118 tests for England and is the second highest test run scorer for England.

Geoff Sherman, of The Avenue, Loughton, knew Mr Welch for over 60 years and read a tribute at his funeral.

The Guardian spoke to him about Mr Welch’s passing.

The 78-year-old said: “It is very sad.

“John was a humble character and very generous.

“Once we played an away game, found a restaurant on the way home and heard Mr Welch had paid the bill.

“He was loved and respected in cricket and beyond.”

A book published in 2010, Sporting Heroes of Essex and East London 1960 – 2000, was full of praise for the east Londoner.

It read: “He is remembered as a self-effacing character and not one to seek glory for himself… He was a wonderful ambassador for cricket in the area.”

Walthamstow Cricket Club also wrote a short tribute on its website.

It said: “It is with great sadness that we heard the news of the great John Welch's passing at the end of the year.

“John was a club stalwart for many years.

“As well as being a great captain, John was influential in many developments at the club including the building of the current pavilion.”