FRIENDS and family will gather on Tuesday to remember a true “sports fanatic”, credited with helping develop the Malden Road Sports Pitches.

Farther of two Laurie George Donsworth, 79, was renowned for his love of the beautiful game and was often seen taking charge of five-a-side matches in and around Gospel Oak.

His son Steven said, “His favourite saying was ‘pass and move’, and without him the pitches in Queen’s Crescent wouldn’t exist. That’s his legacy to Camden.”

Mr Donsworth’s funeral takes place at St Martin’s Church in Vicars Road, NW5, midday on Tuesday followed by cremation at Golders Green Crematorium.