Ottery St Mary AFC and the wider football community are mourning the loss of Frank Bastin.

Frank had been involved with Ottery St Mary Football Club as secretary and, since 1948 was heavily involved with the Ottery-based cups competition.

Neil Anthony, the current secretary of the Ottery Cups, issued a statement following Frank’s passing and it read: “With heavy heart, we have to inform you that, Frank Bastin has passed away. Frank had been involved with the Golesworthy Cup since 1948; he was competition secretary from 1983 to 1994, and then became vice president from 1994-2000 before taking on the job of Ottery-based cups competition president in 2000, a post he held right up until his sad passing.

As recently as last month, at the cups annual general meeting, Frank had been voted back in to stand for another term as president.

His dedication to all three local cups, the Golesworthy, the Grandisson and the Morrison Bell Cup, as well as his service with the Devon County Referees Association over the years, has been second to none!

At the final of the Grandisson Cup last May, held at Washbrook Meadow, Ottery St Mary, Frank presented the runners-up cup, named in his honour and, at the same time, he received a ‘Long Service Award’ for his services to local football.

“As well as his record with the Golesworthy Cup he served on the Grandisson Cup committee as secretary, chairman and president for over 50 years.

“He was also involved with the Morrison Bell Cup competition since 1968. He stood in the secretary’s role from 1979-1994, followed by service as president from 1994. His dedication to local football was truly remarkable.

“Personally, I had known Frank for around 30 years or so, and, for the past 17 years we had been close with him being cups president and my being the secretary of the cups. His interest in, and knowledge of, local football clubs was extraordinary.

“Rest in peace Frank, you were a true legend to the game of football, something we may never see the likes of again!”

?A minute’s silence in memory of Frank, was held on Wednesday night at the Silver Street home of Willand Rovers, where the first of this season’s Golesworthy Cup ties - Bravehearts versus Bradninch - was being played.