THACKLEY have announced the death of their president Mike Smith, who died yesterday after many years of involvement with the club.

Smith took the helm as chairman in 2007 and played a key role for the Dennyboys through his fundraising.

His volunteering and charity work saw him nominated for a Community Stars award (run by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council) in 2012.

A Thackley AFC statement read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Smith, our club president and former chairman on Tuesday, December 10.

"Mike has been involved with Thackley for a great number of years and took the helm as chairman in 2007 and was an instrumental figure, guiding the club and ensuring its survival.

"We are deeply indebted to Mike's unwavering dedication to the club's cause and his unmatched ability to raise funds, without which we would not be the club we are today.

"Mike's commitment to the club and charitable causes in the local community was monumental and he continuously raised money for charities including the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity, Help for Heroes and Manorlands Hospice.

"He was instrumental in the club's initiative in 2011 to team up with club sponsor Specsavers to donate spectacles to the Gambia Schools Trust, which the Trust said made an enormous difference to the people in Gambia.

"He received a nomination as 'Community Champion' in the 2012 Community Stars awards, in recognition for his charity work and efforts in organising Thackley's celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

"He will be deeply missed by all at the club. Our thoughts are with Sheila and all the Smith family at this time.

"Mike – thank you for everything you did for Thackley AFC and our community."

Flashback: When Mike Smith was nominated as Community Star