WESTMORLAND is mourning the loss of one of its finest sporting sons.

Jack Baldwin passed away at the age of 79 after distinguishing himself in a sporting sense both on and off the pitch in a variety of sports.

As a cricketer, he was a one club man.

Jack represented Arnside Cricket Club in the Westmorland Cricket League and devastated any team he played against.

He entered the hall of fame by taking his 1000th wicket in 1976 before hanging up his whites the following year - but only after taking a trademark 56 league wickets in his final season.

His left arm pace and late swing were remembered for many years after his retirement due to a niggling back injury aged just 42.

Jack was equally destructive on the football pitch.

After a period of National Service, he played for Grimsby Town AFC in the old Third Division, scoring 12 goals in as many games.

He then joined Netherfield before enjoying spells at Morecambe, Carnforth Rangers and finally his home side Arnside, securing his reputation as the best inside left number ten of his era in the region.

Just for good measure, Jack represented his beloved County of Westmorland at badminton with his wife Barbara.

His funeral was held yesterday.