A LONG-serving committee member of York Racecourse has died at the age of 75.

Simon Egerton Scrope, of Danby on Yore, near Middleham, served on the committee for 23 years from 1981 until 2004, during which time he helped steer the course through major developments including the creation of the Melrose, Knavesmire and Ebor stands.

His association with the course went back to when he was a member of the course from the early 1960s and worked with the business as its insurance broker.

Marketing manager James Brennan, speaking on behalf of York Racecourse, said Mr Scrope “was ever a gentleman and always had a word for those of us working at the racecourse”.

He said: “He loved his racing and loved York as many of his family have.”

Mr Scrope became a director of Pontefract Racecourse in 1995 and was appointed its chairman two years later.

He stood down from the position a fortnight ago, saying he did not feel fit enough to attend as many meetings as he would like to.

Mr Scrope was born on December 23 1934. He married his wife, Jane, on July 23, 1970 at Wellington Barracks, Guards Chapel, Westminster, London and they had two children, Emily and Harry.

The Scrope family has lived at Danby on Yore since 1548. The family motto is Devant si je puis – Forward if I can.

Mr Scrope died at home on Sunday, March 7.