The local soccer world is mourning the death of legendary football figure Cyril "Dusty" Bright, who passed away on New Year's Eve at the age of 91.

"Dusty" was a follower of Great Wakering Rovers Football Club from their inception in 1919 and, after playing from the first age he was old enough to do so in 1926, went on to occupy every conceivable position within the club at different times - manager, trainer, secretary, treasurer, chairman, fundraiser and even shirt washer.

A regular attender at club games until ill-health forced him to stop two years ago, bachelor "Dusty" was always said to be married to the Great Wakering Club.

When the club's current clubhouse first opened in the late 1980s, he stood at the bar with Guinness in hand and openly admitted that it was one of the proudest days of his life.

"Dusty" was President of the Southend District League, of which Wakering were very keen members until recent times, and a date for his funeral service, which will undoubtedly be attended by a host of figures from the local game, will be announced in the next few days.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.