Tributes have been paid to an 'inspirational' Welwyn Rugby Club stalwart and a former teacher who has sadly died.

Ken Chivers passed away peacefully aged 95 at Lister Hospital on October 29, having spent more than 65 years as a beloved member of Welwyn Rugby Club.

Mr Chivers was born 1929, and moved to Hertfordshire from South Wales in 1954, spending time teaching in Watford and playing for Saracens.

He moved to Welwyn Garden City in 1956, teaching at Heronswood School and joining Welwyn Rugby Club.

He would be involved with the club for the next 68 season, captaining the team in the 1959-60 and 1963-64 campaigns, before serving four years as chairman.

He would be club president from 1986 to 1990, with his achievements in the game seeing him named as a life member of Welwyn RFC and Hertfordshire RFU.

During his teaching career, Mr Chivers worked as deputy headteacher at Sir John Newsom School before retiring in 1990. He also celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with wife Olive this summer.

Despite his age, Ken remained involved with Welwyn RFC, with a tribute from the club reading: "Towards the end of his playing career, Ken dropped down the sides, imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience to players new to the game.

"At the Former Players’ Lunch last November, he was honoured to present the playing shirts to the 1st XV on the day and those who heard his inspirational speech afterwards will never forget it.

"He will be greatly missed."

His funeral will be held at 3.30pm on Monday, December 2, at Harwood Park Crematorium, Watton Road, Stevenage.