MANY members of the sporting community of east Thurrock and villagers in Horndon on the Hill have paid tribute to Douglas Winship, whose death has been announced.

Mr Winship spent most of his life living in Horndon, until about 10 or so years ago when he moved to Conrad Court in Stanford-le-Hope.

In the 1960s he formed the football team Horndon Methodist Youth, eventually changing the Club's name to AFC Horndon which disbanded just a few years ago due to Doug's ill health.

The club was extremely successful at its level of football … all due to the dedication and hard work that Doug put into it.

For many years they played on Horndon Recreational ground before moving to St Clere's and then the Shell Club.

The club offered many a young men the opportunity to play football and was a useful stepping stone on to a higher standard of football.

Doug who also included Belhus Park Rangers among the clubs he had been associated with, received an award from Essex FA recognising his long service and commitment to local football over several decades.

Mr Winship also dedicated most of his recreational life attending the Methodist Church in Horndon on the Hill and his working life at the Bata Shoe Company in East Tilbury, where he spent around 50 years.

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Long time friend Roger Key, among many to pay tribute on social media, said: "Many residents of Horndon will remember Doug for the amiable gentleman that he was and he will certainly be missed."