FARMER and sportsman Bernard Bunny' John Griffin died at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon on March 18, aged 81.

Mr Griffin, who was passionate about football and used to own racehorses, was born on May 3 1924 at Southbank Farm in Corsham.

The former Chippenham Town player, who also played for Frogwell and went on the play for Corsham, was followed into the sport by his grandsons Charlie and Alan.

He was thrilled to see Charlie become a professional footballer with Swindon Town and Wycombe Wanderers, while Alan plays for Chippenham Town. Mr Griffin was educated at Cannings College in Chippenham, and worked in farming all his life, at Grove Farm in Yatton Keynell and Southbank Farm, Corsham.

He married Gwynne in 1948 and the couple had one daughter, Maureen. Mr Griffin and his wife moved from Southbank Farm to Brinkworth 14 years ago to live with their daughter.

Mr Griffin was the youngest county chairman of the Wiltshire Young Farmers in the 1950s and greatly enjoyed his involvement with the organisation. His love of football continued throughout his life, and he managed teams at Sutton Benger and Corsham and generously donated the Corsham team a piece of land to play on.

He was a keen supporter of Arsenal FC and travelled all over the country to support them with his many friends. His funeral will take place at St Bartholomew's Church, Corsham, at 11am on March 30.