Jack Smith, who refereed games across the county for 30 years, passed away at the age of 77 on Sunday, October 27.

Mr Smith, who moved to Norfolk from his native London in the 1970s, qualified as a referee in 1978 and officiated at games in the Anglian Combination and Eastern Counties leagues until he retired due to injury in 2008.

On hanging up his whistle and flags, he became an assessor of referees at county and supply league level, and was carrying out that role as recently as last Saturday when he was at Harleston Town FC.

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Mr Smith, who lived in Horsford, near Norwich, was was also involved in the North Walsham branch of the Referees Association for many years and became chair of the Norfolk Referees Association in the mid-2010s before later becoming its president.

He also held senior roles on the committee of the Anglian Combination League, which he joined in 2007 and was the league's registrations and records officer and its treasurer until he passed away.

Norfolk Football Association (FA) said it was "saddened" by his death.

Friends from the sporting world took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Smith, who was a former bank manager and BT worker who is survived by his wife, Carole and two daughters .

Great Yarmouth Town FC posted: "This is very sad news and GYTFC would like to send their sincere condolences to Jack's family and friends at this difficult time."

Scott Butler said: "Very, very sad news Jack was a lovely bloke, a credit to the FA and local football."

Fellow referees posted on the Norfolk FA Referees Group on Facebook.

"Jack served local football so well for many years and was respected by us all," said one.

“Such tragic news," another added. "A man who had time for anyone and always wanted the very best for refereeing in Norfolk. A great servant to Norfolk football."

Another said Mr Smith could "truly be described as a legend".