TRIBUTES have poured in to honour the memory of a South Lakeland rugby club president who passed away.

Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club announced on Wednesday (December 20) that president Bryan Bradshaw died at his home following a long battle with illness at the age of 71.

Mr Bradshaw, who attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and worked for Lancashire Police until retiring in 2001, was a player and fixtures secretary at the club before going on to serve as president.

"He was an absolute gentleman, a lovely man," said club chairman Nigel Winn. "His presence will very much be missed, he was a very admirable man."

Close friend Mike Hastewell, also a former club president, said Mr Bradshaw's death was a huge loss.

"He was a wonderful man and a wonderful president," he said. "He was a genuine, honest man, and whatever function he was doing he would make sure it was done right. He was very popular because he listened to people and we was very supportive to everybody."

His sister-in-law, Jane Bradshaw, added: "He never married or had a family but I was married to his older brother brother Robert and I was very fond of my in-laws. Bryan was uncle to Helen and Johnathan who Robert and I had, and he was always there for them like he was for me.

"Bryan was larger than life, he was absolutely wonderful."

Reacting to the news on Facebook, a number of people left touching tributes to Mr Bradshaw.

"Very sad news indeed," said Mark Salisbury. "What a tremendous and genuinely sound bloke. He commanded so much respect from all who knew him."

"So very sorry to hear this sad news," said Carrie Eddy. "Such a genuine and lovely gentleman."

Sharon Dooley described his as 'one of life's character's', while Paul Roe said he was 'one of the very best'.

Kirkby Lonsdale's first team captain Ben Walker said: "True legend of the club. (He) will be missed."