The president of the Kidderminster and District Football League, Roy Marchant, has died aged 79.

Mr Marchant was a champion of grass roots football and held many offices during his lifetime.

A true sportsman who played football, cricket and bowls, he played for Kidderminster League sides before becoming a registered referee in 1950, retiring in 1964.

He became the league's first referee appointment's secretary in 1968, only standing down due to ill health at the end of last season.

Mr Marchant was elected league president at the annual meeting in June. He was already a life member.

He represented the league on the Worcestershire Football Association for many years and at the time of his passing was a life member and director.

He had been a member and chairman of the local charity cups committees for many years before becoming president four years ago.

He was also chairman of the Kidderminster Referees' Association for 19 years following a spell of five years as vice-chairman.

Mr Marchant leaves a wife, a daughter and grandson.

His funeral is at St Mary's Church, Kidderminster tomorrow at 1.45pm, followed by cremation at Stourbridge.