TRIBUTES have been paid to the "truly amazing and inspiring" Elizabeth Hall MBE, who has died this week aged 95.

Andover Cricket Club (ACC) announced the news in a post on social media on Wednesday, saying it was "extremely saddened", and that the club "would not remotely resemble the thriving club it is today" without her efforts.

Elizabeth (pictured) won the Mayor's Award and the Spirit of Andover - Overall Winner Award at the Pride of Andover Awards in 2016.

Elizabeth set up Andover and District Mencap more than 50 years ago, inspired to set up the support group for people with disabilities and their families while bringing up her son, Jonathan, who had Down’s Syndrome and a severe heart condition.

The post added: "Over many decades, Liz dedicated her life to community service in Andover. Her work at the cricket club was just one part of this, yet it is hard to overstate the extent of her impact and her importance in the club's recent history.

"In the 1970s, Liz became a pillar of the cricket club, inspiring hundreds (possibly thousands) of young people in Andover to give the sport of cricket a go.

"She remained fully involved well into her 80s, organising fixtures, running training sessions, managing sides and scoring. Without her efforts Andover CC would not remotely resemble the thriving club it is today."

The club said Elizabeth's achievements extend far beyond the cricket club, and that "a full eulogy that adequately recognises the immense breadth of Liz's impact will be released in due course".

The club committee said: "The committee will discuss ways to appropriately commemorate and remember a phenomenal life of community service. Our thoughts and condolences are fully with Liz's family."

Tributes were paid to Liz on the club's Facebook page.

Simon Reeves said: "Very sad news. Incredible lady, who inspired so many both at ACC and in her work in the community away from the club.

"I would not have so many great memories from my time at ACC, had it not been for the encouragement I was given by Liz whilst first playing colts cricket."

Eveline Attwood added: "Very sad news. Liz was the loveliest person ever.

"Liz knew every name of every colt. A remarkable lady who put her heart and soul into everything she did. Condolences to her family. It was a privilege to have known her."

Alistair Hooper said: "Liz was an incredible woman and if she was allowed to have a proper funeral, it would be one of most well attended funerals in Andover’s history.

"She was a force to be reckoned with in both sport and her services to the disabled."