TRIBUTES have poured in to the Wellington Weekly News following the death of well-known local sportsman Shaun Harcombe.

The 53 year old skittler, cricketer and footballer died of cancer last Thursday after a short illness.

He was a member of Mowers who have won countless titles in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League and are one of the top sides in Somerset, if not the Westcountry.

A great outdoor person, Shaun was with his mates watching Wellington’s last home game of football only 12 days ago.

Wellington’s manager Clive Jones, a pal of Shaun’s all his life, said yesterday: “There was nothing not to like about Shaun. We played cricket together at Sampford and a group of us go up to watch Test matches every year.

“He was such a good pal - he was someone who you simply could not fall out with.

“He fell ill between Christmas and the New Year but we didn’t expect him to go so quickly. It was nice he managed to get to our match recently with all his friends. I’ll miss him. We’ll all miss him.”

Ken Bird, chairman of Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League, said: “Shaun was a long serving player with Mowers, the league’s most successful team.

“He was a popular figure, both within the league and in the town as a whole, and will be greatly missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”