Tributes have been paid to a "great family man" who helped establish the Maldon Sunday Football League.

Julian Hume was the third generation in his family from Little Totham, working on the land and later at the canning factory in Tolleshunt Major.

Mr Hume lived with his wife Rene in The Street in Lea Cottages where they built their very own bungalow.

After passing away at the age of 83, he leaves behind his wife, four children, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Lorna Key paid tribute to the former RAF serviceman, saying: "Julian was always keen on sports and in his younger days played a lot of football continuing by refereeing at Tollesbury for a number of years.

"Over 40 years ago he and his mates started a small group, with a special section for the disabled, the Maldon Sunday Football League, which is still running now in a much enlarged form.

"Julian has been an active member of the Maldon Bowls Club.

"He was an almost daily visitor to the Maldon Constitutional Club where he played snooker and was the captain of the dominoes team leading them into their league matches."

Mr Hume's funeral will be held at All Saint's Church in Church Lane, Little Totham on Friday, March 29 at 10.45am.

A reception will then be held at Maldon Constitutional Club.