FRIENDS gathered on Tuesday night to pay tribute to Forest AFC chairman Stephen Wakefield, whose sudden death on Monday has shocked the Melksham community he worked so hard to help.

Mr Wakefield, who was affectionately known as Wacker, suffered a heart attack on the driveway of his Woodrow Road, Melksham home after returning from the community centre.

Around 50 mourners gathered at Forest Community Centre, in Bowmans Court, Melksham, bringing flowers and lighting candles in the centre circle of the playing field on Tuesday night.

Swindon-born Mr Wakefield, 66, who leaves a partner and daughter, as well as his ex-wife, moved to Melksham from Swindon several years ago. He took over as chairman of the third division Chippenham & District Sunday Football League team around two years ago and had plans to expand the team. He retired from a part-time job several months ago.

Team captain Ben Johnson, 26, said: “He loved this place, he was so passionate. It was his life. He always put his hand in his pocket for anything.

“When he came here we were just a B team. He changed us from a B team into an A team.

“He would have time for you if you needed a hand, if you needed anything. All round a great bloke. I just don’t know how we are going to cope.

“It was so sudden as well. He was here the night it happened and an hour later, had a heart attack on his driveway in his van."

Mr Johnson, a mechanic at the MoT centre in Lysander Road, Bowerhill, added: “He wanted this place to one day rival Melksham Town. He built this place with a passion. He wanted to build a legacy here. Football was his life.

“Now I am the chairman, which I take with a heavy heart. I want to fulfil his dream. He wanted new dugouts and a stand.

“I don’t know how I will do it but I will find a way. I will put in some dugouts and name them after him.

“We are going to start the Wacker trophy that will run each year. We will start it this year and play against a team of locals and volunteers.”

Arrangements for Mr Wakefield's funeral are still being made.