Kim BriscoeNorfolk's sporting community is today mourning the loss of a much-loved and well-respected figure.Kim Briscoe

Norfolk's sporting community is today mourning the loss of a much-loved and well-respected figure.

Former Norwich City Football Club chief scout Ronnie Brooks died from cancer in the early hours of this morning.

Mr Brooks, 78, of Hevingham, is credited with discovering the football talent of the Fashanu brothers and after leaving the Canaries he became immensely popular through his role as manager of Norwich Lads' Club.

It was not just through sports that Mr Brooks made an impact on people's lives - he was also a Norwich City Councillor, a Norfolk County Councillor, and a magistrate.

He was a staunch member of the Labour Party and served as Sheriff of Norwich in 1974.

Tributes to Mr Brooks will be in tomorrow's Evening News and Eastern Daily Press.

Do you want to pay tribute to Mr Brooks? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.