SKITTLES stalwart Sidney Hartley, of Trowbridge, died in the Royal United Hospital, Bath, from renal failure on March 20, aged 90.

He was born in Trowbridge, growing up with his parents Henry and Emily Hartley and brother Ken,75 and sister Joan, who died in 1985.

After leaving school he joined the Army in 1939 and was a gunner in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, before returning to civilian life in 1945 to become a general labourer.

He had a number of different jobs in the west Wiltshire area over the years, meeting his Welsh wife Blodwen at a hotel in Trowbridge.

They had eight children, Diane, now 62, Roger, 61, Doreen, 60, Barbara, 55, Keith, 52, Jackie, 50, Terry, 49 and Trevor, 47.

Mr Hartley enjoyed skittles, playing for various clubs in Trowbridge, including the former Garrick Club.

He carried on his passion for the sport when he retired at 65, becoming quite well-known for his skill, and did not give up until he was 89, when his children dubbed him ‘the oldest skittle player in town’.

He also enjoyed horse racing and spending time with his many grandchildren.

As he grew older he suffered from numerous heart problems but managed to live an independent life at his home in South Way with his wife until she died, aged 87, in January.

He was only admitted to hospital the day before his death.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 2pm at Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge. The family have requested family flowers only but donations in his memory can be made to Dorothy House.