A CHAMPION bowls player and former compositor at The Press has been found dead at home.

Bob Proctor, 69, was well known in York for his dedication to New Earswick and District Indoors Bowls Club, his passion for junior football in the village, and his efforts organising a Monday night social league for dominoes and darts players.

In his formative years he worked at The Press' Coney Street offices as a compositor for more than 25 years before being made redundant when printing changed from hot metal to a modern system.

He then moved to Royal Mail where he completed 15 years service, first as a postman then in the Key Case where he oversaw staff working hours and handed out keys to post office lorries.

Mr Proctor, who never married, was found at his Dodsworth Avenue home on November 18 shortly after returning from a three week holiday with his partner, Sandra Helmsley.

She said: "He was a wonderful person and a friend to many people.

"He idolised my grandchildren and would drop everything he was doing to do whatever they wanted.

"He loved his job at The Press and his biggest involvement was at the York Social League on a Monday where he ran two divisions for about 40 years."

Barrie Shipley, the former display sales manager at the newspaper, has fond memories of Mr Proctor.

He said: "He was a great guy and the biggest character that worked at The Press in my younger days.

"The newspaper was full of characters but Bob Proctor was without doubt the best.

"He was a prankster and organiser and was always winding you up about something, but I always thought he had a heart of gold."

Mr Proctor was a keen sportsman and represented The Golden Ball football team as a goalkeeper and full back.

Later on in life he was an important member of his local bowls club and most recently picked up the York Amateur Bowling Association's Veterans Triples Winners 2014.

Ray Blogg, chairman of New Earswick and District Indoors Bowls Club, said: "I worked with him at Royal Mail for 15 years before I retired and he was a popular guy."

His funeral will be held at York Crematorium, on Tuesday (2), from 10.20am.