CRICKET-MAD Mike Coggan, who died earlier this month at the age of 74, has been given a remarkable ‘send-off’ at the home of Somerset CCC.

Hundreds of mourners turned up to say their farewells at his funeral in the County Room at the Cooper Associates ground. The coffin was carried by current and former players, including long-serving ex-England batsman Marcus Trescothick.

Mr Coggan and his wife Mary Elworthy have been regular supporters of the county club for many years and were on the club’s Taunton Area Committee. The couple married in May 2015 after more than 20 years together.

Mr Coggan died suddenly at their home, Howzat, in Fitzhead, on Sunday, January 14. He was born in Combe Florey where he attended the village school before going to Kingsmead School in Wiveliscombe.

He was well known in local sporting circles, having played cricket for Lydeard St Lawrence and rugby for Wiveliscombe.

Each year Mr Coggan and Mary would hold a barbecue at their home to raise funds for Somerset with ex-England and Somerset bowler Andy Caddick the chief chef.

Andy said: “Mike was a gentle giant with a heart of gold.”

The funeral was followed by a private burial in Combe Florey.