John Marriott, a "firm but fair" referee of Watford weekend league football matches for more than 40 years, has died aged 68.

Mr Marriott, who celebrated 40 years of marriage to wife Liz last year, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Thursday, March 5, after being diagnosed with lung cancer in December.

A keen sportsman, Mr Marriott played football for Tansley FC and gained an apprenticeship with QPR.

After moving to Watford in 1972, he began refereeing for Watford League and was promoted to the Football Combination and Conference League, where he stayed until 1989.

From this time the "larger than life character" also started managing the Watford Labour Club football team and was the first team manager of the Oxhey Jets.

Mr Marriott continued to referee in the Watford Saturday and Sunday leagues every week, and received an award from the Hertfordshire FA County League for 40 years service in 2012.

He and Liz, who lived in the Knutsford estate, had two daughters, Sarah and Lynda.

Sarah said: "He was the best dad anyone could have ever asked for. He was a larger than life character with a heart of gold.

"Dad remained totally committed to football in Hertfordshire throughout his life.

"On cards sent to us since his passing, he has been called a firm but fair referee.

"Players respected him, they knew they had little chance of getting away with anything when he was in charge.

"He made the effort to get to know the players and whenever he went out in the area someone from football would always stop and chat.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."

Mr Marriott gave up refereeing in 2012 due to ill health, but still continued going to games, supporting county teams and mentoring new referees.

Born in Kilburn, Mr Marriott was a life-long Chelsea fan. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of West Herts Golf Club.

He worked in the printing industry for most of his life, starting in factories at Kodak and lastly as a newspaper print sales consultant for Fuji Film.

Mr Marriott’s funeral will be held on Monday, March 23, at West Herts Crematorium at 12pm. Guests are asked to bear in mind the blue theme to reflect his first love, Chelsea.