TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart former player and official of Settle United FC, who has died at the age of 75.

Alan Dinsdale started playing for the club in 1956 when he was 14 and was its secretary for more than 50 years, retiring from the role in 2012. He was also a trustee and a life member of the club.

A service of remembrance and thanksgiving will take place on, Thursday, March 23, at noon in Settle Parish Church following cremation at Waltonwrays in Skipton.

Mr Dinsdale was also a member of the Football Association, and received an FA award for 50 years’ service to football in 2008.

The President of the Craven FA, Peter Marsden, said: “I am delighted to have had the privilege of knowing Alan, and being among his friends. He will not be forgotten.”

A plaque will be placed at the Settle United club house to mark his lifelong support of the club.

Mr Dinsdale was born in 1941 in Lawkland and attended Settle Primary School before going on to Keighley Technical College. On finishing his education, he started work as a wagon driver at the Tilcon Quarry in Giggleswick, where he stayed for more than 30 years. He then worked as a mechanical engineer for Ribblesdale Motors in Settle, before retiring in his early 60s.

Although football was his first sporting love, Mr Dinsdale also played cricket for Settle Cricket Club for more than a decade, as wicket-keeper and batsman.

He was presented with his Football Association long service award in 2008 when he was praised for his 'loyalty, dedication and devotion to grass roots football'.

Mr Dinsdale also served on the committee of the Craven District Football Association, starting in 1991.

His son Craig said: "He kicked off his football career playing for Keighley College in the Yorkshire Brigg Cup in 1955, and I know the team got at least to the semi-finals in the county. My father started with Settle United soon after and was captain of the team through most of the 1960s. He really loved the club, and also liked to watch Liverpool as well. And I remember playing in the same Settle Cricket Club side as him when I was a teenager. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and everyone at Settle United."

Mr Dinsdale leaves his wife Wendy, his brother Keith, sons Stephen and Craig, daughters-in-law Linda and Kate, and grandchildren Adam, Joseph and Oliver.

The family has asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, c/o Duncan Robinson Funeral Services, Unit 2, Kings Mill Lane, Settle BD24 9BS.