CANVEY Island Rugby Club have announced plans to remember the life of Ken Light.

Ken – who passed away aged 90 last week – was a life member at Tewkes Creek and played a huge part in the creation of the club.

And Canvey spokesman Richard Smith revealed the Islanders were keen to have a permanent memorial to Ken.

“The club has ordered a bench to put on our patio and we are going to call an area in the clubhouse Ken Light corner,” said Richard.

“A collection jar is going on the bar this weekend if people want to donate or they can phone the club and pay into our bank account.

“Any money over the top of what we need will be given to a charity which we’ve yet to decide on but no money will be left in the clubhouse overnight.”

Ken was a legendary figure at a number of local rugby clubs and also taught on Canvey which helped the rugby club to form.

“When the club started we were all playing for various clubs in the area but we were all ex pupils of Ken,” said Richard.

“The club started with nothing but Ken lent us shirts from the school, he paid his subs every year and turned out for us once or twice over the years.

“He also played against us on occasions and when we were raising money for our club house he joined as a life member.

“He always showed us his support and the general feeling among all his old boys is Canvey Island Rugby Club would not have begun without him.

“He taught us the love of the game and everyone has a story about Lighty.”

Anyone wishing to donate over the phone should call 01268 681881.