EAST Thurrock United FC are mourning the death of club patriarch Ben Bennett after he lost a year-long fight against cancer.

Mr Bennett died at his home in the early hours of Wednesday morning, having spent the past few months bravely battling against all the odds.

A statement from the club said: "At this desperately sad time, our thoughts, prayers and condolences are very much with Ben's wife Gro and daughter, Dominique, Ben's wider family and his many close friends."

Club stalwart and founder member Terry Keating said: "Ben stepped in to save the club from likely extinction some 20 years ago, agreeing to take over ownership of the club in exchange for clearing our far from insignificant debts.

"Since then, under Ben's patronage, the club has enjoyed the most successful period in our history. Ben was a passionate supporter of the Rocks, seldom missing a game at home or away.

"During that time, to his credit Ben was happy to let the managers who worked under him, both Lee Patterson and John Coventry, get on with running team matters without interference.

"Ben's passing leaves a huge void at the club, with many of us being close and long time personal friends. We all mourn the loss of a very special man, and a massive presence around the club.

"We will of course be marking Ben's passing at Saturday's home game against Haringey and will pass on funeral details when known."

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Grays Athletic, for who Mr Bennett was a former player, and with whom he had strong connections, will also mark their home game against Coggeshall with a tribute to him.

The Bennett family have had a long connection with East Thurrock, with Mr Bennett passing on ownership to his daughter Dominique in recent years.

In recent times the family became involved a much publicised court case about the club's financial affairs, involving a fall out with Ben's son Wayne and other local businessmen.

The case went to the high court, and subsequently to appeal, but the claims against Mr Bennett were not proven.