TRIBUTES have been paid to a sporting legend who died doing what he loved.

Brian Savill, 59, from North Essex, died suddenly at Coggeshall Cricket Club yesterday while scoring a match.

Brian, nicknamed “Chunky”, was a much loved husband and father-of-three known for his kind and generous sporting voluntary work.

For years he took care of the scorecards at cricket grounds across Essex.

And he became a national cult hero as the football referee who took pity on a losing football team so scored a goal for them.

Andrew Kennedy, chairman of Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club, said: “He died suddenly at Coggeshall Cricket Club doing what he loved doing - scoring cricket matches.

“Many will remember Chunky as a father to Ryan, Kieran and Gregan who have all played for Colchester at some point in their careers.

“Chunky was a true legend for all the voluntary work he performed.

"Our thoughts at the cricket club are with his wife Jane and sons Ryan, Kieran and Gregan.”

For more tributes see Tuesday's Gazette.