HARRY Robinson, who was chairman of Darlington Football Club in the 1960s and mayor of the town in the 1970s, died yesterday, aged 83.

His proudest moments included leading the football club to its first promotion in 40 years and greeting the Queen Mother on her official visit to Darlington in his mayoral year of 1976-77.

He was also well known as an auctioneer, starting off with outdoor auctions in the 1940s in Feethams before buying the long-established Darlington firm Thomas Watson.

He was born in Darlington in 1919 and went to Corporation Road School although, because of his asthma, was also sent to Baldersdale school in the Yorkshire Dales. There he formed a lifelong friendship with fellow pupil Hannah Hauxwell.

Mr Robinson, of Carmel Road, left school at 14 to join his father's furniture firm, Fred W Robinson and Sons, of Feethams. He was in the RAF during the Second World War, serving in North Africa, Italy and Egypt.

In 1950, he and his brother, Leonard, bought Thomas Watson, the Northumberland Street auctioneers which is now run by his son, Peter.

His passion, though, was football. He joined the board of directors of his hometown club in 1953, and in 1964 succeeded John Neasham as chairman. He appointed Lol Morgan as player-manager and the team, which included the club's record appearance holder Ron Greener and free-scoring forward Bobby Cummings, finished runners-up in the Fourth Division in 1965-66 and were promoted.

He was succeeded as chairman in 1970 by George Tait, although by then he was heavily involved in municipal affairs. A Conservative, he was elected to Darlington council, representing West Ward, in 1965.

His year as mayor coincided with the Queen Mother's visit. "She was so interested in the town, and told him her memories of coming up on the train to go to Streatlam Castle and how she remembered Bank Top station," said Peter.

The other highlight of his year was greeting Margot Fonteyn off the train when she appeared at the Civic Theatre.

He was a member of numerous local organisations, including the Rotary Club, the Police Club, the 41 Club, Darlington Quoits Club and Blackwell Golf Club.

"I remember as a child if we went for a walk along High Row it would take ages," said Peter. "He knew everybody. He just loved talking to people and making them laugh."

He was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, but only became seriously ill a couple of weeks ago. He died yesterday morning in Darlington Memorial Hospital.

He leaves a widow, Paddy, brother Leonard, sister Doreen, children Suzanne and Peter, and grandchildren Dominic and Johnathan.

Details of his funeral will be finalised next week, but it will be at Holy Trinity Church, possibly on Friday.