Pensioner Bernard Johnson was on his way to the job he loved as groundsman at a football club when he collapsed and died.

Mr Johnson, 79, was making his way from his home in Leek, Staffordshire to the ground of his beloved Ball Haye Green FC.

His wife, Christa, was following him on 3 November, 2008, when he suddenly fell to the ground, and despite the efforts of paramedics and hospital staff he died. Mr Johnson had been groundsman at the club for around 55 years.

During his time there he was given an award by the Staffordshire FA for his tireless work.

Mr Johnson left school in Leek at 14 and worked at a coal merchants, as well as two textile firms.

His national service in the army involved him serving in Germany.

He met his future wife, Christa, who had come to Leek from Germany, at a blind date arranged by his friend, Harry Whittall. They married at St Luke’s Church in Leek in 1953 and set up home in the town.

Mr Johnson also worked for the Co-op in Leek, for Adams Butter and later for Kerrygold.

He was also survived by his sister, Madge, and brother, Terence. His other sister, Freda, died some time ago.

His only daughter, Jacqueline, said: "He kept the ground in a beautiful condition. He lived up there. It was his life. He would go up to the ground every day."

She added: "He wasn’t much of a footballer himself, but he played if they were short."

John Murfin, chairman of Ball Haye Green FC, said: "His death has left a big hole at the club. He put so much time into the job as groundsman.

"He loved the club. I don’t think there was hardly a day in the 20 years I have been with the club that he wasn’t at the ground."