A well-known Oswestry tennis coach has died.

Mike Markham, who was head coach at Oswestry Team Tennis and coached hundreds of young sporting stars over the year, died on Saturday morning at the Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital following a battle with cancer.

Long-time friend Stephen Welti and Clive Knight, both trustees of Oswestry Team Tennis, said Mr Markham had "boldly soldiered on" following his cancer diagnosis.

They continued: "He was aware that his condition was terminal but was looking forward to being placed in a hospice in Shrewsbury so that he could spend time with friends closer to home. His sudden passing was a shock to us all but he did have time, and the courage to inform those close to him of his wishes."

Mr Markham will be cremated in Bedford where his family is based, and his ashes brought to Oswestry for a memorial service, with dates to be confirmed.