THE president of York City Rowing Club has died at the age of 86, after collapsing at the annual dinner.

George Lane was among more than 100 diners at the black tie event at the Merchant Taylors' Hall on Saturday night, when he collapsed.

Club spokesman James Porteous praised paramedics who were at the scene in minutes and worked hard, but in vain, to save Mr Lane.

He said club members were upset and shocked at his death, but decided Mr Lane would not have wanted it to prevent them celebrating the club's achievements and the dinner went ahead after a silence and prayers.

He said photographs of the dinner would be put on their website,www.york-city-rowing-club.co.uk, dedicated to Mr Lane's memory.

"He was a fine man who will be greatly missed."

He said Mr Lane had joined the club in 1935 and rowed until after the war, and had subsequently been treasurer twice, and also wine steward, before becoming president in 1985, serving in the post for 17 years.

Mr Lane, a widower who leaves a son, Tony, lived in Precentor's Court, near York Minster.

He had been a quantity surveyor before his retirement, said Mr Porteous. During the war, he served as a captain in York's civil defence, dealing with air raids on the city.

He added that Mr Lane's death came only a week before the club was to be involved next Sunday in a major race down the Ouse from Bishopthorpe Palace, the York Small Boats Head, which would involve 400 competitors.

Updated: 17:49 Monday, November 11, 2002