ONE of Harefield United's oldest footballers has died, days short of his 99th birthday.

Herbert 'Bert' Ross, played for Harefield before and after the Second World War.

Dave West, 80, of Roman Close, who recently retired as president of Harefield United, said: "As far as I am concerned he was one of the great local footballers.

"He played well over the age that most retire, into his 40s. He will be really sorely missed. He would talk about sport and football to everybody."

Mr Ross worked at Harefield Rubber, in Summerhouse Lane. He died at Hillingdon Hospital, and his funeral will be held at St Giles Church, in Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, on Monday at 12.45pm.