A FORMER club steward has died after a nine- month battle with cancer.

Margaret Siddle, from Darlington, died at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Saturday, aged 65.

With her husband, Maurice, she was a steward at Haughton Club, Darlington, during the late 1980s.

During more than 20 years in clubland, the couple also spent time at various other venues, including the Cons Club in Stockton, the Hope Inn in Sedgefield, and the old United Social Club in West Cornforth. Mrs Siddle was diagnosed with cancer in August last year.

Her husband, also 65, paid tribute to the way she became a part of the communities in which she worked.

"Wherever we went, Margaret was respected by everyone. She was so well liked," he said.

The couple moved to a house in Smithfield Road five years ago.

Mrs Siddle leaves two sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.

Funeral details are expected to be announced soon.