TRIBUTES have been paid to former Cornish Times sports editor Phil Broad who has died after a long illness.

Well-known and respected in sporting circles across South East Cornwall and beyond for more than four decades, Phil endeared himself to all those with whom he came into contact by his willingness to both serve and help, and determination to go that extra mile to get things right.

Sadly, he was struck down by primary progressive multiple sclerosis in the early 1990s and while consistently shrugging off his illness as little more than muscle problems in his back, his condition did deteriorate, especially so in recent years.

Six years ago this Easter, Phil and Sue, his wife of nearly 50 years, moved to Woking to be closer to their two daughters, and it was at his new home that he died peacefully on Sunday afternoon. He was 73 last month.

On leaving school he joined The Cornish Times as an apprentice, learning all aspects of the print trade and newspaper business before taking over as sports editor in the early 1990s. His promotion was just reward for his many years of supporting local sport.

Phil's involvement with sport and the community knew few bounds and he was associated with many clubs and organisations, especially from the 50 years he spent with The Cornish Times when the newspaper was based at Great Place and the Pipe Well Lane areas of Liskeard.

He will perhaps be best known, however, for his support of Liskeard Athletic Football Club, serving the Blues for more than 10 years during their heady, successful days in the South Western and Western Football Leagues when they put the market town firmly on the sporting map with success upon success.

He was also treasurer of the East Cornwall Premier Football league for a decade or so; long-serving secretary of the Liskeard and District Billiard and Snooker League; a former president of the Liskeard and District Darts League, and secretary of the Constitutional Club in Liskeard.

In addition, he helped pen the centenary book of the Cornwall County Football Association.

Adrian Wilton, who was chairman of Liskeard AFC during those glory years, described Phil as a terrific guy who was always great company.

'What really impressed me, though, was that although we were so involved with Liskeard, Phil could de detached in a professional way and be so unbiased when reporting and writing about other teams as well.

'He was a good reporter, not only for the football but for darts and snooker, and the list is endless of what else he was involved in.'

Phil Broad's funeral will be held at Woking Crematorium on Monday, March 2 (2pm).

There are family flowers only but donations in memory of Phil's life and service in South East Cornwall and beyond are being received in aid of the Woking Hospice, which cared for him and provided great support for his family.

These can be made via the funeral directors, Lodge Brothers, of 48-54 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6LE (Tel: 01483 768 942), or online, in conjunction with Love2Donate : In Memory, by visiting: http://www.funeral">http://www.funeral-

directors-woking.co.uk