THE next meeting of Great Yarmouth Referees' Association will be held on Thursday at Legends Lounge Bar at 7.45pm. GYRA reports with deep sadness the death of vice-president Mike Read, aged 59.

THE next meeting of Great Yarmouth Referees' Association will be held on Thursday at Legends Lounge Bar at 7.45pm.

GYRA reports with deep sadness the death of vice-president Mike Read, aged 59.

Mike refereed for many years on Saturday and Sundays in the district leagues in the Norwich, Great Yarmouth and North East Norfolk areas and at youth league level.

He was not an ambitious referee who sought promotion to a higher level, he simply enjoyed officiating at grassroots level and being involved in a game of local football.

Mike was a committee member of GYRA for many years also and held the post of chairman from 2002 to 2005.

He was also an avid Norwich City FC fan and also operated the scoreboards at Carrow Road for Reserve team fixtures.

Sadly, Mike was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in May, and despite fighting bravely against the disease, Mike lost his battle last Monday.

Should any former refereeing colleagues or ex-GYRA members wish to attend the funeral, please telephone secretary Stuart Reeve on 01493 731651 for details.