Cricket star Shane Warne has paid his own personal tribute to young Oakley Waterman who has died from cancer.

The Australian leg spinner wore a black armband throughout yesterday's opening day of the fourth Test match against England after hearing of the death of the six-year-old son of Weymouth Football Club star Dave Waterman.

Warne met Oakley prior to international 20-20 matches at the Rose Bowl in Southampton in June along with another youngster, Stuart Dove from the Isle of Wight, who was fighting cancer.

After hearing about the death of the youngsters, the Hampshire captain and England's Marcus Tresco-thick donned black armbands during yesterday's Trent Bridge test match.

A Hampshire Cricket Club spokesman said: "Shane met Stuart and Oakley before a game here at the Rose Bowl in June. He took Stuart out on to pitch to toss the coin.

"When he heard Stuart and Oakley had passed away he got in touch to see if it would be okay if he could wear an armband to honour them."

Oakley died on August 17 after losing a three-year battle with cancer.

The youngster underwent numerous operations after contracting rhabdomyosarcoma, which caused a tumour in his pelvis.

His funeral took place earlier this week on Guernsey, where Terras defender Mr Waterman was born and many of the Waterman family live.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of footballers, including Weymouth players and former Portsmouth and Oxford United team-mates of Mr Waterman.

Mr Waterman's cousin, John Waterman, said: "Dave and the family were really touched to hear about Shane's lovely gesture yesterday and it's so typical of the guy.

"When Dave and Oakley were guests at the 20-20 game, Shane couldn't do enough to make them welcome and was simply fantastic.

"Oakley was given stacks of signed memorabilia and even when he had to leave because he was feeling ill, Shane allowed Dave to stay on and watch from behind the scenes.

"You always seem to hear about sport stars for the wrong reasons, but Shane is an example of the good people who try to help but are rarely highlighted."

More than £30,000 has been raised towards an appeal in Oakley's name to pay for a respite caravan for families affected by the disease.

Cash has poured into the appeal from Dorset with Weymouth fans rallying around by holding raffles and a host of other fundraising events.

Opponents of the Terras this season - including Portland United, Histon and Irish side Shamrock Rovers - have also dug deep to help.