Tributes have poured in to former Essex cricket chief Peter Edwards, who died in South Africa after suffering a heart attack.

The county secretary and general manager was leading a party to watch England's winter tour to South Africa when he had a heart attack on January 30.

Mr Edwards, who lived in Burges Road, Thorpe Bay, was treated in a hospital and started recovering before his condition worsened. He died on Friday after having a second cardiac arrest.

"For the last 20 years Peter dedicated himself to the cause of cricket in general and Essex in particular," said Essex chairman David Acfield yesterday.

"He ensured that the club's success on the field was mirrored off it and became one of the most widely respected administrators in the game.

"He was a staunch advocate of county cricket and its traditions, and Essex has been extremely fortunate to have had such a devoted secretary/general manager. We will miss him greatly."

Essex president and former county captain Doug Insole said: "Everyone at the club is shocked and extremely saddened to hear of Peter's death.

"He was a cricket nut, a businessman and an Essex supporter. His shrewd management skills took the club forward off the pitch while it was proving very successful on the pitch.

"Peter's skills were quickly recognised by the powers within the game and he held positions both on the Test and County Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board."

Essex and former England left-arm paceman Mark Ilott said: "Peter was the guy who invited me into his office to sign my first ever contract when I was a fresh faced, big-headed young lad. His devotion to Essex was unbending. He was a great man."

David East, the county's former wicket-keeper/batsman and current commercial manager, said: "Peter was an amazing man.

"I don't think I have ever met a man so focused and committed to Essex cricket in my life. I have nothing but admiration for the man and what he achieved with the county."

Paul Grayson, the Essex batsman and slow left-arm bowler said: "Essex cricket was Peter's life. The club was his and he always worked hard to make it successful."

Mr Edwards, 63, had taken a party of Essex club members out to South Africa on January 12 for the tour. He was taken to the intensive care unit of a Cape Town hospital, where his wife Sue remained by his bedside.

Mrs Edwards was due back in England yesterday and her husband's body will be flown home later this week. No date has yet been set for the funeral of the keen Southend United fan.

Mr Edwards - who had two children, Stuart and Jacky - took his post at the county club in 1979 after being a member since 1948.

A former accountant, his arrival at the New Writtle Street helm came in the year Essex won the County Championship for the first time and also took the Benson and Hedges Cup.

Malcolm Field has been appointed acting secretary.

Essex's Mr Cricket - Peter Edwards devoted himself to the game and the county side

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