AROUND 600 people from the world of cricket and broadcasting gathered to celebrate the life of Essex and England all-rounder Trevor Bailey.

They packed out Chelmsford Cathedral yesterday to pay tribute to the Westcliff-born cricketer who went on to become a well-known commentator on the BBC.

Trevor died in a house fire at his home in Westcliff in February aged 87, but the event in the cathedral was an upbeat celebration of the man nicknamed The Boil.

Among those who attended the event were Trevor’s family, a host of past and present Essex cricketers and Test Match Special presenter Christopher Martin-Jenkins.

The first address was from Essex CCC president Doug Insole, who played alongside Trevor for 15 summers.

He told how the former Alleyn Court School pupil developed his love of cricket and football, winning an amateur cup medal at Wembley while playing for Walthamstowe Avenue in front of 100,000 people.

“He was a very useful footballer, with two good feet, but in cricket his reputation preceded him and much was expected him,” said Mr Insole.

“He was selected for all four Tests against New Zealand in 1949 and for more or less 10 years after that he was a permanent fixture of the England XI.

“After helping England win the Ashes in 1953, he was a national celebrity and Trevor’s name was good enough for a table at the Ivy or a couple of unobtainable theatre tickets.

“I will remember Trevor for his generosity, good humour and loyalty to his roots. He had a great sense of humour and was great fun to be with.

“I shall miss him and the fish and chips we had in Southend in the depths of midwinter.”

Mr Martin-Jenkins said he first knew Trevor as a national hero following his exploits in helping England win the Ashes on home soil in 1953.

“As a player he always seemed to have an easy confidence in himself.

“Trevor was always good company, whether he was analysing a game or chatting at the back of the commentary box.

“He was a team man who had no axe to grind. If there was a break in the play he would be a commentator’s prop.

“Hid commentary was pithy and I was always pleased when I found Trevor beside me in the box because I knew I was in safe hands.”

Trevor’s son Kim thanked everyone for attending the service, and Essex CCC and said Trevor’s widow Greta was too unwell to attend the thanksgiving service.

He said he had been lucky enough to play cricket with his father at Westcliff on Sea Cricket Club and was glad to see so many members of the Chalkwell Park-based club at the service.

Kim also recalled the Nat West Trophy final of 1997 when Essex beat Warwickshire by nine wickets.

Trevor met a man who told him Essex had played well, to which Trevor replied it was a good toss to win.

As he returned to the commentary box Trevor pondered who the man was, before remembering it was then Prime Minister John Major.

Members of the current Essex team were present, led by current captain James Foster, while former skippers present included Graham Gooch, Ronnie Irani, Paul Prichard, Keith Fletcher, Lord Tim Rice and Brian Taylor.

Former players paying their respects included Mike Gatting, Derek Pringle, Ray East, Paddy Phelan, Geoff Smith, David Acfield, Robin Hobbs and Peter Richardson.

Essex CCC chief executive David East gave the reading and club chairman Nigel Hilliard gave the Bible reading.