THE funeral of a Darlington man known fondly as "Mr Golf" takes place today.

Syd Liddle was president of Darlington Golf Club, Haughton Grange, from 2000 to his death on Saturday, May 5. He was 85.

He had been captain of the club, competitions secretary and president of the Teesside Union of Golf Clubs.

Mr Liddle was a popular after dinner speaker and well-known figure on the North-East golf circuit.

A report from The Northern Echo in 1993 described him and fellow member Ken Rumney as "Darlington Golf Club's answer to Abbot and Costello".

Mr Liddle joined the club in 1959 - a year after his friend George Storey.

"He was known as Mr Golf and was really just a smashing fella," Mr Storey said yesterday.

"His after dinner speaking was something to savour. He livened up every AGM he spoke at with his wit and deliverance - they would really roll in the aisles."

By 2004, Mr Liddle's health was failing, but the minutes from that year's AGM show his sense of humour was fit and well.

"I'm using this contraption here (a large magnifying glass and lectern) for a couple of reasons," Mr Liddle said. "One, so I can read these notes, and the other, to stop me falling down.

"You'll probably hear more stuttering than clarity of speech, but I assure you I am not drunk - as yet."

Mr Liddle was born in Swan Street, Darlington, on September 14, 1921. He lived in the area all his life and died at home in Middleton St George after a short stay at St Teresa's Hospice.

He worked at racecourses as a circulation rep for the Sports and Chronicle newspapers, which fuelled a passion for horses.

"I saw him at the golf club three months ago," Mr Storey said. "He was looking for a betting slip which he'd won £60 on. He studied form meticulously so I asked why he had picked that horse.

"He said it was because it had the same initials as him."

Mr Liddle had three children, Ian, Diane, and Paula, and five grandchildren.

"He was just a tremendous father," said Diane yesterday. "Our memories are very treasured."

Mr Liddle's funeral begins at 11am at St Laurence's Church, Middleton St George.