WELLINGTON Ex-Services Skittles League has paid tribute to one of its best known players, John Stanworth, who has passed away at the age of 82.

On behalf of the league, David Bright said: "We as a league were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of long standing player and member Foresters' captain John Stanworth.

 ''John had been a stalwart of the Foresters’ team either as a player or captain for 57 years, playing their matches at either the White Horse and the now long gone Crown Inn and recently at Nynehead Club.

"It was league folklore that he only missed three matches in this time!  John helped his team to runners up position in the Thursday night division (GT Championship) on two occasions 1976/77 and 2008/09 and also a runners up spot in the Payne challenge cup in 2012/13. "John was a great supporter of our league and was well known to all teams.

“His good humour and friendly nature will be missed by us all. We extend our condolences to John's family and friends at this sad time."

John’s funeral service will be held at Taunton Deane Crematorium on Thursday, May 30 (11.20 a.m.).