DURSLEY RUGBY Club is to celebrate the life of its former president next week. 

Former club president John Darlaston died aged 91 in September, with the club hosting a celebration of his life on Friday (November 1). 

John Darlaston - known affectionately as JD - joined Dursley Rugby Club in the early 1960s and after establishing himself as a player, he got the role of club secretary in 1969. 

After more than 25 years in the role -he was made a Life Member in 1987 and club president in 2001. 

Paying tribute to the much-loved husband, father and grandfather, a club spokesperson said: "During his tenure as secretary he was instrumental in the move of the club to Stinchcombe from Dursley Recreation Ground in 1970, as well as many other initiatives that helped the club develop. 

"This laid the foundations for the organisation we know today.

"In 1993 John was a very important advocate and supporter of the creation of the mini & youth section as we now know it, as well as for the creation of the Ladies Rugby Section that followed soon after.

"Although ill-health prevented John from being at the club as much as he would have liked in the last few years, he continued to attend whenever he was able, and prior to that he was a constant presence both on a Saturday supporting the Men’s teams, but also on a Sunday when the Minis, Youth, Colts or Ladies were playing.

"His presence on all occasions was characterised by warm smiles and greetings for everyone he met and many individual tributes to him reflect on him being a ‘true rugby gent’.

"He was also well-known in the local community, including by being a long-time member of the Cotswold-Tyndale Rotary Club.

"John is held in the highest regard by everyone involved with the club and while his legacy continues he is sorely missed by us all.

"We look forward to a wonderful celebration of John's significant contributions to the worlds of rugby, industry and the local community."

The celebration takes place at Dursley Rugby Club on Friday, November 1 from 12 noon. 

Light refreshments will be provided alongside a pay bar - there will also be speeches remembering the life and times of JD.