TRIBUTES have been paid to a "proper Oxfordshire sportsman" who has died suddenly at the age of 52.

Witney cricket stalwart Andy Fisher passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Friends of the former Oxfordshire Colt said the wicketkeeper was a popular player with teammates and the opposition and always played the game with a smile on his face.

He was Witney Swifts captain and chairman for more than 20 years.

Swifts president Gordon Clack said he could remember when Mr Fisher joined the club in his late teens, and was "chuffed to blazes" when he was made captain.

Mr Clack added: "I gave him lots of advice.

"I've known Andy since he was no more than a toddler. He was very likeable, and he has been a stalwart to local cricket.

"He was good enough to go on to other places, but he was Swifts through and through and stayed with his local club."

Witney Swifts player Dan Black, who was coached as a youngster by Mr Fisher, said: "The work Andy put in with me as an under 13 helped fuel my love for cricket that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"I have overwhelming emotions of sadness and shock and we have lost a great great man."

Jason Hunt, who plays for Shipton-under-Wychwood, but played for Swifts under Mr Fisher's captaincy, added: "This is very sad news for anyone involved in local cricket.

"He was one of the best and most genuine people I've ever met and played cricket with.

"Fish was everything that I love about the game, playing hard but having a beer after the game."

Neil Megson, a fellow wicketkeeper and close friend of Mr Fisher, said added he was a "proper Oxfordshire sportsman" and "will be sadly missed by many".

Darryl Woods, who played Oxfordshire junior cricket with Mr Fisher in the 1970s, said: "He was a really good guy and always good to be with.

"There are some stories in cricket with him that will remain close to my heart. He'll be so sorely missed. It's a very sad day."

Mr Fisher leaves a son, Charlie, daughter, Kelly, and two grandchildren. No details are yet available for his funeral.