A "MASSIVE presence" in local football and British baseball has died aged 78.

Ted Gerard-Thesingh joined the Worcester and District Football League management committee in 1988 and served as their registration secretary from 2002 until 2014.

He also played a big role in other sports and was given a lifetime contribution award to British baseball in 2006.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on January 10, 1939, Gerard-Thesingh came over to England 40 years later and married Jean in 1980.

He died peacefully at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Saturday surrounded by his family after a brave battle against a long illness.

Sunday league clubs are being asked to hold a minute's silence or applause to remember the competition's stalwart this weekend.

League secretary Tim Phillips said: "Ted was a larger-than-life character who gave tremendous service to the league in his time as registration secretary.

"He suffered more than his fair share of illness but never complained and loved to welcome club secretaries into his home where he and his wife Jean would discuss all things football.

"He will be sorely missed and league meetings will never be the same without his massive presence.

"In recognition of his service to the league, clubs are asked to observe either a minute's silence or applause before their matches on Sunday morning."

Gerard-Thesingh, of Warndon Villages, was made a life member of the league in 2009 after serving on the Worcestershire FA Council for three years from 2006.

In his younger days he played professional football for Durban United in South Africa from 1956 until 1963.

After arriving in England he turned his hand to management and led Worcester League team Foresters in 1981 and 1982.

A keen hockey player when younger too, Gerard-Thesingh's sporting passions also extended to baseball where he made a huge impact to gain his lifetime contribution award 11 years ago.

He was an international umpire for Great Britain and was inducted into the British baseball hall of fame in 2011.

Gerard-Thesingh was further recognised by being made an honorary life member of the Umpires Association for Great Britain.