COMBINED Counties Football League president Ken Huckle has died. He was 76.

Mr Huckle, who died on November 27 after a short illness, was born in Lower Bourne in Farnham and played football and cricket for The Bourne from the age of 18.

Off the field of play, sportsman Ken was a keen football referee, cricket umpire and linesman, often seen running the line in the Southern League.

With a wealth of knowledge of non-league football behind him, he succeeded Ron Monkley as president of the Combined Counties League in 2014, handing out trophies to cup winners at the end of the season as part of his varied role.

A Combined Counties League spokesman said: “Ken has been associated with the league for many years and has been very active in the role of president, taking a full part in the league’s business. His dedication to this league could not be questioned.”

Away from the sports pitches Ken, who plied his trade as a car trimmer, worked at Abbots in Wrecclesham (now the Co-op store) and Farnham post office.

He was also a sitting magistrate in Aldershot.

Ken, who was married to Judi for 27 years and lived in Ash, is survived by his 104-year-old mum Doris Bendall, wife Judi, sister Pat Ward, son David, step-daughter Michelle, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at Aldershot Crematorium on Friday, December 28, at 12.15pm.