Jim Hilton dies aged 77

Jim Hilton, who played for Lancashire and Somerset in the 1950s, had died at the age of 77.

Hilton, whose older brother Malcolm played for England, began his career at Old Trafford where he made eight appearances as a lower-middle order batsman even though he had been used as an allrounder in his many Second XI outings. Unable to break into the first team, he moved to Taunton in 1954 where he immediately secured a regular place, but the return of Brain Langford from National Service once again meant he was relegated to the sidelines. Although he played regularly in 1957, he quit at the end of the summer. Over four seasons he took 133 wickets at 26.48 for Somerset, with a best of 7 for 98 against Warwickshire.

He then had spells as a professional at Scottish club Kelburne, Fleetwood, in the Northern League before finishing at Werneth. He subsequently coached and held an MCC advanced coaching qualification, and for three years was president of the Lancashire ex-players' association. In his retirement he ran a pub. He was also a good footballer and had trials for Torquay United and Accrington Stanley.

In 79 first-class matches Hilton took 134 wickets at 27.93 and scored 1093 runs at 10.93.