NORTH Cumbira Integrated Care Trust (NCIC) has paid tribute to a 'unique' and 'generous' former colleague.

Arthur Lamb, 31, who represented Cleator Moor East and Frizington on Cumbria County Council, died at his home in Distington over the last weekend.

He was also well-known in the Cumbrian cricket community as secretary and coach for Whitehaven Cricket Club and had been coaching the club’s junior teams on Friday evening.

A number of tributes have been paid by organisations that were connected to Arthur with the latest coming from the NCIC, at which he worked as an information officer at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and had just accepted a new role at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle

In the tribute, former colleagues spoke about working with 'Our Arthur'.

They said: "Just over 7 years ago 'Our Arthur' walked into the Information Office at WCH – a unique wonderful gentle giant of a young man at 6’2” (Arthur always reminded us of the 2”).

"Over the years we have had many happy memories of our time together with Arthur, debating and discussing issues about work, cricket and politics – the odd friendly disagreement too which Arthur thoroughly enjoyed with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Arthur was a kind generous dedicated person in all aspects of his life from coaching young players at Whitehaven Cricket Club to running out of the office to quickly help a member of staff who was struggling with IT issues.

"Every Friday we would go to the canteen (his favourite place) and he’d laugh about his squeaky shoes which could be heard along the corridor and everyone who passed knew him.

"Arthur will never be far from our thoughts, we will miss him terribly and treasure our time together with him. Thank you Arthur for being you and for being our friend."

READ MORE: Tributes to councillor and cricket club secretary, Arthur Lamb