A MEMORIAL service took place this week for a stalwart of rugby union at university and county level in Durham.

Hartley B Elliott, a former player, referee to international standard, and club and county administrator, died in hospital in Sunderland earlier this month, at the age of 90.

Born and brought up in Sunderland, he attended Tonstall School in his home town, before moving on to Sedbergh School.

His association with Durham University started as a student, in 1929, when his administrative skills began to be honed by taking on college rugby secretarial duties.

In 1931 he was invited onto the committee to represent the Durham Colleges, later Durham University Rugby Club, making a significant contribution to its rise as a major force at varsity level.

He joined the Durham RFU committee in 1945, and held various other posts within county rugby circles, becoming president in 1962/63.

As a player he was a stand-off half for Sunderland RUFC, but particularly made his mark as a referee, taking control of several international matches in the late Fifties, and later served on the Referees' Society.

Described as a 'tireless enthusiast' for the game, he was still a familiar figure at Sunderland's Ashbrooke ground until his health began to wain in the past two years.

Away from the rugby field he worked as bursar of both Bow School, in Durham, and later his former school, Tonstall, retiring only in the early Eighties.

He leaves a widow, Evelyn, who he married late in life.

A private family funeral service and cremation took place at Sunderland Crematorium, on Wednesday, followed by a service of thanksgiving for his life and work, at St John's Methodist Church, at Ashbrooke.