Harry Yarborough, described as a "true Grimsby football icon", has died aged 82.

He passed away at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, on Monday after a short illness.

Grimsby-born Mr Yarborough, who lived in Wroxham Avenue for almost 50 years, was associated with many clubs in the area, mainly through his long friendship with the late player and manager Artie White.

Although he had a lifelong involvement in football, it was not as a player, but as a trainer, sponge-man, physio and scout that literally scores of people in the Grimsby-area game knew him.

His time playing was largely restricted to his younger days, with the former St John's School on Cleethorpe Road, and with Scartho Wanderers.

But, from the touchline, he was connected to Skegness Town, Brigg Town, the Jubilee and Nunsthorpe Tavern pub sides in Grimsby - and many more.

If any club or team he worked with were not playing, he would turn up at another game with his sponge bag and offer his services, and never missed the chance to watch at a weekend.

Former Grimsby Town, and later Skegness Town, player Dave Boylen, now a councillor, said: "A true football friend and icon has died. Harry was known throughout the local football area as the trainer-cum-sponge man-cum-physio. Harry was the man, a truly well-respected person in local football.

"He was known everywhere in the Lincolnshire fraternity as a man who loved his football and was always prepared to put forward his views about how a team should play."

Coun Boylen went on: "Harry had been a sponge man at so many different clubs it just was not true. He had more farewells over the years from different clubs it was unbelievable, but his head would rise once again at another club. He just would not give up.

"He just loved being involved with football; a true gentleman, smashing guy and a genuine nice person. He was everybody's friend."

Away from football, Mr Yarborough joined the Army at the outbreak of the Second World War and served in Palestine, among other places, with the Lincolnshire Regiment.

He worked for Bird's Eye in Grimsby for 20 years, in the cold store, and also for Five Star Fish, the company launched by Grimsby Town chairman John Fenty.

Although Mr Yarborough supported the Mariners, he had a passion for Nottingham Forest and used to scout for them during the Brian Clough days.

Nephew Mr John Neville said: "He was best known as a sponge-man and for his love of football. He was just a fantastic guy. He would do anything for anyone. If you asked him to do something he would do it and he was always happy."

Mr Yarborough left May, his wife of 55 years.