CHARLES Rand MBE, the Essex Olympian League's patron and one of the founding fathers of the league, has died at the age of 76.

Rand passed away yesterday after a long illness.

During his time Charles had been chairman, vice- chairman, secretary, fixtures secretary and publicity secretary.

He had also refereed on the league until 1977.

Although seriously ill Charles regularly attended the monthly management committee meetings right up until February of this year.