The Southern Counties East League are mourning the loss of their president Roy Vinter who died on Friday aged 76 following a long illness.

A former referee, Mr Vinter who lived in Ickham, moved to the county in 1971, joining the Kent League list the following year.

He was appointed secretary of Whitstable Town and joined the league management committee in 1980, before being appointed secretary-treasurer in 1990, a post he held until last year when he was elected president.

The Football Association also honoured him with a 50-year long service award.

Mr Vinter cut his footballing teeth in his native Teeside, qualifying as a Class 3 official with the North Riding County (Minor) FA, starting in local leagues, before being promoted to Class 1, continuing to officiate while on national service.

His career in league administration began in 1961, when he was appointed registration secretary of the Middlesbrough & District Youth League, before taking over as treasurer of the North Riding County (Minor FA).

Work commitments then saw him move south, first to Slough in Berkshire, before switching to Kent.

A SCEL spokesman said: “Roy served football in various capacities over seven decades, and all of those involved in football in Kent have been able to benefit from the experience and knowledge that he had gained.

"Kent Football and the Southern Counties East Football League will be poorer for this loss."

Mr Vinter was also an active and successful member of Chilham Short Mat Bowls Club, both as chairman and player, winning many competitions with his wife of 52 years, Carol.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.