TRIBUTES have been paid to a “local hero” who defied cancer to go on devoting his life to helping children enjoy table tennis.

Wilf Gilbert, Honorary President of Darlington Table Tennis Academy, has died aged 86 after his brave battle with mesothelioma.

Wilf was honoured at The Northern Echo’s Local Heroes Awards last year for his dedication to grass roots sport and won the coveted Unsung Hero category.

A statement from Darlington table tennis academy said: "Words can’t express enough what a wonderful person he was who dedicated his time and energy in supporting the academy. He was great character, a true gentleman and let’s not forget a great table tennis player and will be sadly missed by us all."

When he was diagnosed with his terminal illness, Wilf rejected an offer of chemotherapy and continued to devote his energies to the academy – coaching youngsters, putting out tables before sessions, and helping in any way he could.

Last year, the Darlington table tennis leagues honoured him by staging a new competition for over-40s in aid of cancer research, with the Wilf Gilbert Trophy put up as the glittering prize. Not only did Wilf insist on paying for it, but he ended up beating all-comers and winning his own trophy.

Wilf had played his beloved sport since he was ten, competing in leagues in his native Peterborough, where he ended up working as a power station fitter – a job that was to lead to him developing mesothelioma.

He retired at 55 with the aim of relocating with his wife to the tranquility of the Yorkshire Dales but, sadly, she died of cancer before they were able to make their dream move. Wilf was 70 before he finally headed north, setting up home in Darlington because it was within easy reach of those picturesque Dales.

He joined Darlington Table Tennis Academy and quickly became an inspirational member. “It’s become my second home – I’ve always been made to feel so welcome,” he said last year.”

The academy is to make sure Wilf is not forgotten by playing for his trophy every year and continuing to raise money for cancer research.