Tributes have been paid to a rugby team stalwart who lost his battle with cancer.

A minute's silence was held at Cranbrook Rugby Club's ground yesterday, in memory of Gezz Higgins who passed away at home last Sunday.

The former chairman started the Mad Dogs team 40 years ago - an invitational side drawn from four clubs including Cranbrook, Maidstone, Westcombe Park and Saracens.

He continued to run the team until very recently.

Mr Higgins was also a dear friend and former teammate of Cranbrook rugby player Tony Nicklinson, who gained world-wide media attention in his fight to get doctor's to legally end his life after he was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome.

Mr Higgins organised a memorial match to raise money for charity in his honour, after the campaigner passed away in 2013.

Cranbrook Rugby Club issued a statement last week, saying: "Just received the very sad news that Gezz Higgins passed away peacefully at home after suffering a long illness from cancer.

"As well as being a past club chairman, Gezz was 'The' Mad Dog who started the Mad Dogs 40 years ago.

"Our thoughts are with his loving wife and daughter Linda and Alex. RIP Gezz."