A well-known Maldon cyclist died on Sunday during a club run, despite life-savings efforts by friends and ambulance crew.

John Rosbrook, 60, of Washington Road, a lifelong member of Chelmer Cycling Club, collapsed near the nature reserve at Coploe Hill, near Ickleton on the Cambridgeshire and Essex border.

Mary Horsnell, a fellow club member, said: "Sadly all the life-saving efforts of his companions and ambulance crews were in vain."

The run had started on Sunday morning from Little Waltham going via Saffron Walden to Little Abington for the tea stop.

Mary said: "John was a regular attender on these runs, all through the years, having joined Chelmer when he was 15. He won attendance awards on numerous occasions as well as prizes in his racing days.

"At that time he was also a good footballer, playing for Maldon St Mary's and later supporting Ipswich and Heybridge Swifts."

Mr Rosbrook worked for Sadds and later Boulton and Paul and was proud of his long service award.

Mary added: "John was a true Maldon man having gone to school and worked in the town all his life. He will be greatly missed by his many friends."

Donations in his memory are invited for the Essex Air Ambulance Appeal.

Mr Rosbrook's funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Church, Basildon on Wednesday afternoon.

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