TRIBUTES were paid to one of West Malvern’s best-known residents at his funeral at St James’s Church in the village.

Andrew Dakin, age 58, was a builder and plumber.

He was a member of West Malvern Cricket Club, a leading light of the West Malvern Players and a regular performer in the village panto, when he played the dame.

In his eulogy given at the service, Bob Blackbourne, the cricket club chairman, said: “My neighbour, Vic Fawson, shared his view with me that Andy was indeed Mr West Malvern.

It was to Andy we turned when we wanted a quizmaster, a master of ceremonies, a host for a race night or somebody to build a drama set.

“Andy was big on hard work. He felt a huge responsibility supporting his family, but hard work did not stop at earning money.

“He was vice-chairman of West Malvern Cricket Club, an important part of West Fest, involved in the West Malvern Players, the pantomime, he played golf and cards regularly too, and would always say yes if asked for help or advice.

“At West Malvern Cricket Club he helped build the club up from nothing – levelled the square, installed the land drains and the plumbing, felted the roofs, captained the first 11 for a while, repaired the pavilion, raised thousands of pounds for the club, opened the batting and provided a number of sons to swell our ranks.”