Arthur Milton, the last man to play cricket and football for England, has died at his Bristol home aged 79.

Milton made six Test appearances for England between 1958 and 1959, also enjoying a successful 26-year career with county side Gloucestershire.

As a footballer, he scored 21 goals in 84 appearances for Arsenal and was a member of their First Division title-winning side in 1953.

His sole cap for the national side came in a 2-2 draw with Austria in 1951.

He joined Bristol City in February 1955, helping them to promotion to the old Division Two before retiring from the game at the end of that season.

"Anyone who can play both cricket and football to international level has to be especially gifted," said Gloucestershire County Cricket chairman John Light.

"Our utmost commiserations go to his wife, Joan, and his family. He will be greatly missed."

Milton captained Gloucestershire in 1968 and scored more than 32,000 first-class runs at an average of 33.

A keen follower of greyhound racing in his later years, he remained a hugely popular figure in Bristol sporting circles and his death will be mourned by many in his native city.

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