TRIBUTES were paid last night after the death of the long-time figurehead of North-East clubland.

Jack Amos, 75, who was known as the Jack of Clubs, died of cancer at his home in Blackhill, Consett, on Saturday.

He overcame lung cancer when it was first diagnosed in 2002, and had just begun chemotherapy after it came back.

Journalist Mr Amos, who was born in Consett, County Durham, began his career on The Northern Echo's sister paper, the Durham Advertiser, before he moved to the Consett Guardian.

He inadvertently became involved in the North-East social and workingmen's club scene when he was asked to help publicise a local premises, Shotley Bridge Victory Club, in the late Fifties.

Within months he was made club secretary, a post he held for 22 years. He quit journalism when he was elected Durham Club and Institute Union (CIU) secretary, while he also held a seat on the CIU national executive committee.

He stood down three years ago.

Mr Amos was made an MBE in 2004 for services to the region's clubs.

A well-known charity champion, he used his club links to arrange fundraising activities for the good causes he supported.

Mr Amos leaves a widow, Flo, who he met at a dance at the former Estoria ballroom, in Durham.

They were married for 40 years, with a daughter, Janette, son, Gary, and three grandchildren.

Speaking last night, the CIU's national general secretary, Kevin Smyth, said: "Jack belonged to the old school that believed in putting in more than you take out.

"Everybody at the CIU will miss his cheerful personality.

"I was speaking to him only on Friday. He was a good friend and a fighter to the end."

Mr Amos' successor as Durham CIU branch secretary, Mick McGlasham, said: "Jack did a fantastic amount for clubs in the region.

"There is no doubt he will be a great miss."

A funeral service will take place in St Cuthbert's Church, in Church Bank, Shotley Bridge, at 11.45am on Friday, followed by cremation at Mountsett Crematorium, near Dipton.

Friends and former colleagues are invited afterwards to Shotley Bridge Victory Club, where the lounge was named after Mr Amos in 2003.

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