MERLYN Morgan, a well-known tennis and table tennis player in York for many years, has died in Leeds General Infirmary after a short illness. He was 84.

Morgan, who was born in Aberaman, Wales, was stationed at RAF Topcliffe in the 1940s and after taking a teaching degree at Borough Road Training College, London, settled in York and became deputy head teacher at Canon Lee School.

He was an enthusiastic sportsman and was runner-up to Eric White in the York Municipal Tennis Tournament men’s singles final in the late 1950s after holding a match point.

A member of Tang Hall Tennis Club and York RI TC, he was also runner-up with Tom Mason in the men’s doubles final against Jim Shields and Leslie Leppington.

Morgan, well-known for his fierce forehead, played for York first team in the Yorkshire Table Tennis League.

He leaves his wife Irene, daughter Barbara, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The funeral service is at York Crematorium tomorrow at 10.20am.