A stalwart of the Cumbrian wrestling world who was "steeped in the sport" has died at the age of 78.

Roger Robson died peacefully after battling an illness for 25 years.

Mr Robson was involved with Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling for almost 70 years.

"Roger was steeped in the sport with a father and uncles who all competed.

"As a competitor himself, he was a true gentleman, always taking a fair hold and never seeking to gain an unfair advantage," said Chris Bland, president of the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association.

"He will be sorely missed and we give thanks for all that he has contributed to our sport during a lifetime of involvement.

"Thank you, Roger and Jill."

Although he never held a championship title, Mr Robson won the Guinness trophy for best performance at Grasmere Sports in 1964 – when he was champion in the 12-stone category.

He would win this category on two other occasions – in 1970 and 1980.

Brought up in Alnwick, Northumberland, he was the first person in his family to attend university, gaining a degree in English literature at Durham. It was here that he met Jill, his wife of more than 55 years.

He would go on to work as a teacher, a job that took him to the English department of Trinity School and then St Aidan's, both in Carlisle.

Mr Robson took early retirement at the age of 51, devoting more time to his farming of sheep and Belted Galloway cattle.

His love of sport was passed on to his children and grandchildren as granddaughter Gemma won the ladies open class at Grasmere Sports in 2019.

When Bob Horsley, known as 'Clicker', died in 1978, Mr Robson took on the role of doing a weekly report on Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling for The Cumberland News. He did this for 41 years.

He held several positions with the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association, including that of president between 2005 and 2009. He was then reelected for a second term in 2011.

He died at his home at Ivegill, north Cumbria. He is survived by wife Jill, his three children – Heather, Simon and Catherine – and six grandchildren.