TRIBUTES have been paid to a former North-East goalkeeper and all-round sportsman who has died aged 88.

Darlington-born Bob Ferguson had the dubious honour of letting in the last league goal before the outbreak of the Second World War.

He was Middlesbrough's oldest former player and played cricket for County Durham before he signed for York City Football Club.

It was while playing for York that he let in a goal at 4.38pm on Saturday, September 2, 1939. War was declared the next day and the leagues were suspended.

Mr Ferguson suffered a heart attack while attending his grandson's wedding on Saturday.

He was born in Brinkburn Road, Darlington, attended Reid and Gladstone Street Schools, in the town, and later served his apprenticeship as a tools fitter at the North Road Works.

The wicket keeper and batsman played for Darlington RA Cricket Club in the mid-1930s, before he joined Durham County Cricket Club.

In 1935, he signed part-time professional forms with Middlesborough, playing mainly in the reserves.

Club spokesman Graham Bell said Mr Ferguson was believed to be the club's oldest surviving player.

He signed for York City in 1939 and played for the club during the war. He then signed for Peterborough United in 1947, before he finished his football career with Goole Town in 1953.

Mr Ferguson was a professional cricketer in the Bradford League from 1946 until 1968 and was also a strong table tennis player.

As he grew older, he turned his hand to bowls and was a founder member of York Indoor Bowls Club.

His son, Barrie Ferguson, 63, of York, said: "He was well-liked and well-respected.

"Nobody has a bad word to say about him - those are the things that mean the most to me."

York City director Sophie McGill said: "He was an important player for York City both during and after the war and very well-liked by the supporters.

"We invited Bob to a game 18 months ago as our special guest and I am very pleased he was able to attend and enjoyed his day at the club."

He leaves his wife, Vera, son Barrie, two grandsons and two great-grandchildren.

Mr Ferguson's funeral will be held at York Crematorium at 11am on Tuesday.