FORMER colleagues are mourning the death of popular Liphook and Shottermill footballer Peter Bedford. He was 76.

Michael Horlock, the former chairman of Shottermill – now amalgamated into Shottermill & Haslemere FC – said: “Beddy was a lifelong Liphook resident and initially played for his home club.

“He moved to Shottermill during the 1970s where he became a very popular, hard-working member.

“Beddy had footballing skills but was not a regular in the first team, who were going through quite a golden period.

“So Beddy mainly appeared in the second and third teams where his knowledge and enthusiasm helped many a young player – even his son Carl.

“Off the field he contributed significantly to helping run social events, none more so than with Shottermill’s twinning with the German club FV Rheingold Rubenach.

“Any language barriers were soon overcome in Peter’s presence – his sense of fun and infectious laugh were enough to forge lasting friendships.

“One former player, on hearing the news, told me he was someone ‘I’ll fondly remember as always smiling and making people laugh’.”