THE funeral of a Pedmore cricketer who collapsed and died during a match will take place next week.

Richard Beaumont, aged 33, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while he was fielding during a game at his club's home ground on Pedmore Hall Lane on August 4.

His funeral will take place on Thursday August 16 at Sandwell Crematorium, Newton Road, West Bromwich, starting at 1.45pm.

The funeral will be followed by a gathering for mourners at the Apres Club, Summer Row, Birmingham.

The all-rounder from Bromsgrove Street, Halesowen, had just finished a devastating spell of bowling - taking five wickets for 31 runs, against opponents Astwood Bank CC when he dropped to the floor, never to wake up.

Despite immediate resuscitation attempts the popular care worker and former police officer was declared dead shortly after he was airlifted to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Richard's family is joining forces with Pedmore Cricket Club to create the Richard Beaumont Foundation to encourage youngsters to take up cricket.

The family is asking people to make donations to the foundation rather than send flowers to the funeral.

Richard's father, Bob Beaumont, said: "I will not be able to personally thank all of you that have sent us such kind wishes and those who have done such wonderful things in his memory, so I say thank you now."

Pedmore's planned fixtures went ahead last weekend at the request of Richard's family.