One of the most natural wicketkeepers to have played the game in this country, he was at the other end for Brian Lara's 501* and made a hundred of his own.

He went on to play 443 times in professional cricket for Warwickshire and England A, a career that makes him the most successful player to have come through North Midd.

Andy 'Rev' Saunders, his first captain, paid tribute to him:

"I first saw Pipes as a young lad playing in our 3rd XI, and it was obvious then that he was exceptionally gifted both behind the stumps and in front of them, superbly athletic with great technique at both forms of the game. I picked him for his 1st XI debut in my first game as skipper in 1987, dropping the ex-captain and wicketkeeper. About 15 minutes into his debut, he took a diving left-handed catch down the legside, which even the opposition batsman applauded from the pavilion. My vice-captain just said, 'I can see why you picked him.'

I loved standing at first slip behind him. I just had to move half a yard to my left and could have read a newspaper, nothing was coming to me.

Pipes was an ever-present, he lit up the changing room with his laugh and humour, never moody and always up for the fight.

I used to look forward to my weekly chat with his nan, who brought him up. He did not come from a stable environment and it was her who brought him up and showed him how to behave.

I remember our last conversation when he went off to Warwickshire. There was no doubt in my mind he would be successful, but I didn't realise quite how successful he would eventually be.

Pipes claimed more than 500 catches in a 443-match professional career and was considered one of the most accomplished wicketkeepers of his generation. He made two hundreds as well, including a best of 116 not out at Edgbaston in 1994, as he accompanied Brian Lara to his world-record 501 not out against Durham.

I contacted Pipes a year ago as he fought cancer and he said that he would love to come to the club and work with the young keepers and a few of the older ones as well. Sadly, he never got the chance, losing his brave battle.

Goodbye Pipes, I am devastated to hear this tragic news. Your photo is on our pavilion wall surrounded by your teammates and your friends who never had the chance to actually have the pleasure of meeting you personally. I will never forget you."