Tributes paid to Neil Bell

Players past and present paid tribute to BBC South East broadcaster and former Kent Cricket commentator Neil Bell who died at the weekend at the age of 61 after a long illness.

The journalist commentated on Kent Cricket for more than a decade with John Warnett on BBC Radio Kent before moving to television, covering sport on BBC South East Today.

Head coach Matt Walker led the tributes: “I’m so saddened by this news. Neil was one of the greatest blokes I’ve got to know over my years at Kent.

“He was a top, top broadcaster, a true professional and a such a lovely man. It was always such a pleasure to work with him and he really will be missed!”

Captain Sam Billings described Neil as a “great bloke” and Joe Denly said he was “always a joy to talk with and a very popular face around Kent”.

Former skipper and Sky Sports broadcaster David Fulton said: “Belly was absolutely the best bloke and a fantastic broadcaster whose love of sport and particularly cricket shone through.”