Westbury Rugby Club has paid tribute to one of its founding members, Mark Knott.

Mr Knott, who was a former PE teacher at Matravers School in Westbury, formed Westbury Rugby Club in 1980 with fellow Matravers School teacher Jon Whittock.

A statement from the club said: “Westbury Rugby Club would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mark Knott, Mr Knott or Knotty, as you will, who sadly passed away last week.

“Mark Knott was one of two founder members of Westbury RFC, he and John Whittaker, former teachers at Matravers School were the inspiration and driving force behind the formation of the Club in 1982.

“Off the field he helped in any way he could and served on the committee as secretary, later becoming our president.

"Mark always looked for the good in every one that joined the club, and his booming Welsh voice shouted encouragement from the sidelines for many a season.

“His passion for the game, and commitment to the club gave countless numbers of people a lifelong love for the game of rugby. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten, rest in peace Knotty.”

Mr Knott died on October 15 and his funeral will take place at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington on Friday, October 31, at 1.45pm.

Family flowers only and donations to the British Heart Foundation.