A SPORTING leader and chairman of a Bury-based industrial giant has died aged 71 after contracting coronavirus.

David Hodgkiss was chief executive at steel fabricators William Hare Group, in Brandlesholme.

And he was also chairman at Lancashire County Cricket Club, having been on the board there for nearly 20 years, playing a key role in the redevelopment of Old Trafford.

Mr Hodgkiss, who is understood to have been battling underlying health issues, was awarded the OBE for services to manufacturing and exporting, for William Hare.

A Lancashire CC spokesman said: "Further to the announcement from his family, it is with great sadness that Lancashire Cricket announces the passing of its chairman, David Hodgkiss OBE.

"David served the club with distinction over many years including holding the offices of treasurer, vice-chairman and latterly chairman.

"He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world.

"Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The steel fabricators is a Lancashire mainstay, having been formed in Bolton in 1888 before relocating to Bury around the turn of the last century.