A pensioner has died after his car went into a tree.

Peter Bickers, of Diana Way, Clacton, who suffered from a heart condition, is believed to have lost control of the car after being taken ill at the wheel

Mr Bickers, who once played for Barnet FC, was airlifted by Essex Air Ambulance but was dead on arrival at Colchester General Hospital.

The accident happened as Mr Bickers was driving his Ford Fiesta along Crown Road, Clacton, at about 1pm on Saturday.

Police have appealed to anyone who saw the crash to get in touch.

A retired interior designer and decorator, Mr Bickers lived with his wife, Evelyne, whom he had known since their teens.

He leaves a daughter, Yvonne, and two sons Nigel, 44, who is currently living in the US, and Glen, 42. Mr Bickers also had six grandchildren.

A keen sportsman Mr Bickers enjoyed playing cricket and football and was a lifelong supporter of Barnet Football Club, for whom he played in the mid-1940s.

He also trained for Arsenal in the mid 1950s after his national service.

Before moving to Clacton five years ago, Mr Bickers lived in Cornwall for 15 years, where he coached football and cricket for St Martins School in Liskeard, Cornwall.

Mr Bickers's son-in-law Barry said his father-in-law had been active and popular among his peers while teaching in Cornwall.

Published Monday, June 2, 2003

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