A POPULAR personality in local sporting circles has died suddenly.

Stuart Allbut, who was 76 and lived in Taunton, was best known for decades of dedication to cricket, first as a player and then as a well-respected umpire.

He was born in Galashiels, Scotland, before his family relocated to Birmingham, moving to West Buckland when he was 16.

He studied mechanical engineering at the former Somerset College of Arts and Technology (SCAT) and was employed as an agricultural engineer by Hawkes, based in the county town's East Reach.

He later worked for Avimo as a manager and precision engineer.

Stuart married Monica, who he met at a dance in the former County Hotel, in East Street, Taunton, at Staplegrove Church, in May 1968.

Stuart was a talented sportsman and had swum for Birmingham and played rugby for Moseley before coming to the Taunton area, where he joined Wellington Rugby Club.

Later, Stuart and Monica spent many hours watching their son play cricket at Staplegrove.

"Stuart and I got the cricket bug from that time and he became a slow bowler in the West Somerset League," said Monica.

"He played for West Somerset Hospital and Casuals at the Civil Service Club."

He then took up umpiring and was given an award by former Somerset and England star Andy Caddick when he qualified.

He officiated in matches in the West Somerset League and disabled cricket, while Monica scored for Taunton Deane Cricket Club.

Stuart was also on a number of committees and was a swimming teacher at the former St James Pool in Taunton, and ran a local asthmatic swimming club.

Monica said: "He had to be running something. He was very organised.

"I'm going to miss him an awful lot.

"We both had a love of cricket and it gave us something to talk about when we got home after our matches."

Stuart leaves a son and a daughter and two grandchildren.

The funeral is at Taunton Deane Crematorium on Wednesday, June 29, at 9.30am.

In lieu of flowers, people may wish to donate to the vascular department at Musgrove Park Hospital or disabled cricket via the funeral director Taunton Funeral Service.