Tributes have been paid to a talented young Norfolk cricketer who died after being struck by a train.

Tributes have been paid to a talented young Norfolk cricketer who died after being struck by a train.

Ben Beckford, 23, of South Lopham, was in collision with a Norwich-bound train at the Palgrave crossing, near Diss, last Wednesday evening.

British Transport Police have launched an investigation but said they are not treating the incident as suspicious.

Mr Beckford was a member of Diss Cricket Club, starting as a junior at the age of 11 and playing in a national competition final at the age of 15. He progressed to the First XII where he was an opening bowler and an integral part of the team.

The former Diss High School pupil represented Norfolk at county level turning out for the under 13s and under 17s, and also played cricket in Australia.

Club chairman Patrick Quick said: 'He was always a very thoughtful, considerate and gentle young man and obviously he will be greatly missed by Diss Cricket Club, and our thoughts are with his family and those close to him.'

Friends have also left tributes on the Benjamin Beckford Appreciation Society on the social networking site Facebook. Mr Beckford was described as a 'great man,' 'entertainer' and 'legend'.