TRIBUTES have poured in for one-of-a-kind Hefin Roberts - a well-known teacher, sportsman and referee.

Hefin, who lived in Moulton, died last week at the age of 73 after suffering a stroke, and the Guardian has been inundated with tributes to the larger-than-life character.

Hefin worked at Verdin Comprehensive School in Winsford as a biology and PE teacher from 1968, before becoming a special education teacher at Broadwalk in Salford, but was also well-known for his involvement in sport.

He played for Middlewich Athletic Football Club as a centre forward before joining Middlewich Cricket Club as a fast bowler.

Dave Parry, now chairman of Middlewich Cricket Club, knew Hefin as a teacher and a teammate and said despite Hefin not being seen at the club for some time, stories of his jokes and antics are still told on a regular basis.

Dave said: “He threw his heart and soul into everything he did and was so very popular with everybody. Everybody loved him and enjoyed his company.

“One of his tricks was to keep pouring shampoo onto your head in the shower without you knowing, when you’re trying to wash it off, and that was the kind of person he was - he had a great sense of humour.

“On behalf of the cricket club we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He was an extremely popular member of the club and will be deeply missed by everybody here.”

Hefin was also a referee for amateur football around Cheshire and was the chairman of Cheshire Schools Football Association for 14 years, as well as being the CSFA Competitions Secretary responsible for collating scores in all cup competitions.

From 1985 until about 2010 he was also secretary of Mid Cheshire Schools FA, now known as Vale Royal Schools FA.

John Clark, Honorary Secretary of Cheshire Schools Football Association, said: “He was a tireless worker for schools’ football and took on a multitude of tasks including securing venues for finals, arranging referees, securing sponsorship, running raffles, attending county matches across the North of England, making speeches at finals, chairing meetings, helping in the changing rooms, organising post-match refreshments, and all this on a purely voluntary basis.

“He was a true unsung hero whose commitment was second to none and who was always passionate about schools’ football.

“He was absolutely, totally committed to schools’ football and loved his job. We used to run a competition against German teams and when they came over here, Hefin would open up his home in Moulton to the Germans.”

Many other tributes have been made to Hefin, with Middlewich High School teacher Keith Simpson describing him as a ‘larger than life character whose smile lit up a room’.

Mr Power, head teacher of Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield said: “Hefin was always so helpful - we are sure that so many people will be grateful for everything he has done for schools’ football in Cheshire.”