ONE of Cornwall's most dedicated football administrators of the past century has died.

Brian Ridgeon, from Falmouth, was registration secretary for the Falmouth-Helston League from its inception in 1960, before later becoming treasurer of the Combination League for 20 years.

A staunch Falmouth Town supporter, Brian, who used to work at the docks, was in his 80s. His wife Sylvia, who used to work at Falmouth Hospital, passed away several years ago. They had one daughter, Susan.

Gerald Sobey, former secretary of the Falmouth-Helston League, said: "He was a good chap, very dedicated. We used to have our moments but always had the highest respect for each other. He did an awful lot to help the success of the Falmouth-Helston League."

Brian, brother of the late Syd, a former Falmouth Town chairman, played first team football for at Ashfield in1954-55 and had many seasons for the reserves. He also played for many years for Falmouth Docks.

Brian also did sterling work for the Cornwall FA and was a big supporter of the County Youth team, which he travelled miles to watch.

This is a rare picture of Falmouth Town's second team taken behind the grandstand at Ashfield (where the Park & Ride Float is now) in 1954 when they won promotion.

Vidal James, secretary of Porthleven FC, said: "Brian was a lovely chap. I don't think he had an enemy. All the Combination League games observed a minute's silence in his memory on Saturday. He was a Life Member of the league."