WELL-KNOWN sportsman and former police officer Terry Softley has died after a short illness aged 72.

Mr Softley passed away on November 9 and his funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Church, March, on Thursday.

The proud family man had been married to his wife Brenda for 48 years and leaves behind three sons and six grandchildren.

He played at full-back alongside the likes of Jessie Pye, Bobby Langton and Billy Elliott in the celebrated 1950s Wisbech Town side which is widely regarded as the club’s best ever team.

He previously played for March Town and, after his spell at Fenland Park, joined Parson Drove, where he saw out his playing days.

He grew up in Eastwood Avenue, March, and represented the town’s cricket team, where he served as chairman of the ground committee and as a member of the general management committee.

Terry was also a popular member of March Golf Club.

He was appointed club captain in 2004 and later served as company secretary.

Terry joined the police force in his early 20s and was stationed at Whittlesey, Wisbech, March and Chatteris during his 29-year career.

He then spent 10 years with the Brian Hawden and Co. legal firm in March, before retiring to devote himself to his beloved Manchester United and Peterborough United, where he was a season ticket holder.

The funeral service will be followed by an interment at Eastwood Cemetery.