RNAS Culdrose FC Life President and former county referee Bill Pearce has died at the age of 87.

Known as 'Mr Culdrose', Bill enjoyed a love affair with the club that spanned five decades, taking up the roles of linesman, manager and passionate supporter during his 45 years with the side.

Bill joined the RAF in 1950 and became a referee a year later, before beginning his association with Culdrose as a linesman in 1973.

He ended up taking over as manager almost straight away, and became the only civilian to win the Navy Cup, doing so twice in 1974 and 1977.

Bill missed just six games in his first 30 years of association with the club, and played a large part in growing the team from a single representative side to a club that now has 21 teams and a youth set-up.

He also had his own award at the end-of-season club awards, which he presented to someone who went above and beyond.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Plenty, Chairman of RNAS Culdrose FC, paid tribute to Bill, saying: "He'd always have a wise word to say, particularly to the young players. He'd always be brutally honest with you, which I think as footballers you want but you don't want at the same time!

"Every single game he always came with a full tank of petrol, because he took it upon himself that if any of the players got injured, rather than waiting for an ambulance he'd take them to hospital straight away, which he did on numerous occasions.

"He'd not just take them, but look after them and let their families know. He was that kind of character.

"He was and always will be Mr Culdrose, and that's a massive part of our club missing now."

Despite having no Navy connection he was well-respected in Navy football, and was even driven by the Captain of Culdrose to the Navy Cup final at Fratton Park in Portsmouth in 2011 and sat in the directors' box.

Such was his status at Culdrose that the club agreed to rename the sports pavilion in his name for his 80th birthday in 2012.

Bill was also regarded as one of the finest referees Cornish football has ever produced, and was honoured by the Referees' Association in 2003 for 50 years' service.

He is the only referee to have officiated two Cornwall Senior Cup Finals, doing so for the 1971/72 final between St Austell and Looe and the 1958/59 final between Truro City and St Blazey.

He also ran the line during an FA Cup tie between Exeter City and Manchester United at St James Park in January 1969.

The club announced the news of Bill's death on Twitter on Friday evening, which read: "We are devastated to report the news of the passing of our Life President Mr Bill Pearce.

"You will be missed beyond belief dear friend and will forever be Mr Culdrose."