Nigel Hook, the former head of policy at the the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR) has died suddenly while on holiday at the age of 60.

Hook, who started his sporting life as a talented rugby player and PE teacher found his calling in the field of voluntary sport and sports development, spending 23 years at the CCPR, before retiring in 2003.

During his time, CCPR grew in size and influence within the sporting community and became renowned for its dedicated lobbying on a number of key issues – a strong reflection of Hook's own personal style and tenacity.

His championing of the cause of voluntary sports clubs culminated in the creation of the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) scheme, which gives tax relief to clubs, and has so far saved grassroots sport more than £14m.

Kate Hoey, a former sports minister, said: "He worked with people of all political persuasion, believing that sport transcended politics.

"I remember my officials trying to warn me off him whenever I received one of his briefings. He was only interested in what was good for sport and deplored the way so many at the top of sport forgot their roots.

"His family should know that he really did make a difference to sport and that he leaves a legacy that is appreciated by all friends of sport."

He is survived by wife Jeanine, and two daughters – Caroline and Sophie.