RUGBY UNION: Southend Rugby Club will today bid farewell to one of their most loyal and likeable characters.

Dave Mathison, who was affectionately known as “Spongie”, has died of cancer aged 74.

And his passing will leave a huge gap at Warners Bridge after more than 40 years of service to the club. His loss will also be mourned by many south Essex rugby players and officials who knew Mathison.

Dave leaves behind wife Jackie, two children and three grandchildren.

His funeral will take place this afternoon at the Southend Crematorium, starting at 2pm, then afterwards at Southend Rugby Club.

Family flowers only have been requested with mourners invited to make donations to the Philip Henmon Foundation, a charity that helps apprenticeships on the river.

For much more see today's Echo Newspaper.