Tributes have been paid to a well-known footballer and physiotherapist.

The Comet: Bunny Dear far left at Hitchin Town FC 2003/2004Bunny Dear far left at Hitchin Town FC 2003/2004 (Image: Archant)

Bernard Dear, known to many as Bunny, died at Pinelodge Care Home in Stevenage last Thursday, May 8, at the age of 94 following a short illness.

Mr Dear, who was married to his late wife Elizabeth, was a former player for Hitchin Town Football Club, before becoming a trainer at St Ippolyts Football Club until 1957.

Leaving in 1957, he joined up again with Hitchin Town FC as a trainer before becoming a fully qualified physiotherapist – treating athletes as well as footballers

He later worked at Letchworth Town FC and Baldock Town FC.

Paying tribute to her father-in-law, Patricia Dear said: “He was a man with such an active and full life in sport, starting at an early age playing football for Hitchin Boys’ School.

“After his wife passed away he decided to join Westmill Community Centre in Hitchin where he volunteered his time by helping to organise trips. He also became a treasurer until the age of 93.”

Mrs Dear said her father-in-law also played darts for pub teams and summers were taken up by cricket.

“He was an all-round sportsman and was much loved by all,” she added.

Mick Docking from Hitchin Town FC’s executive committee said: “Bunny has been part of the Hitchin Town FC scene forever, initially as a player and subsequently as a physio. His involvement pre-dates my own, but it certainly went back to the ’60s and probably before that. Sincere condolences on behalf of Hitchin Town FC go to all his family.”

Mr Dear is survived by three sons John, Colin and Bob, and their families