FORMER York City and Scarborough goalkeeper Jeff Pears has died at his home in Myrtle Avenue, Bishopthorpe, at the age of 82.

A well known local sportsman, he worked at Terry's for 50 years, latterly as the company chauffer, retiring in 1984.

He was born in York on June 14, 1920, and left school at 14 to join Terry's and played for the chocolate factory's side in the York and District league.

His performances attracted the attention of City manager Tom Mitchell, who signed him on. Although he played mainly Midland League football, he did turn out in the first team in Division Three (North) games before joining Scarborough in August 1949. He then had a spell with Frickley Colliery.

He played cricket for Terry's and was an excellent tennis and table tennis player. In later life he played bowls, both indoor and outdoor, for Bishopthorpe.

He married June Wilson, who won the ladies' singles in the York Table Tennis Championship several times after the War.

Mr Pears, who served in the Royal Artillery Regiment, leaves a widow, two sons, David and Richard, and five grandchildren.

Updated: 11:28 Tuesday, April 08, 2003