MID Wales football is in mourning following the death of one its beloved administrators on Sunday,

Bernie Jones passed away after a short illness over the weekend and led to tributes from clubs across mid Wales football.

Bernie, of Newtown, dedicated his life to grassroots football in mid Wales as secretary of the Montgomeryshire League and referee's development officer for more than three decades after playing for Llanwddyn during the 1960s and 1970s.

Along the way the former school teacher inspired countless people to become involved in the game and ensured organised football could be enjoyed.

Clubs paid their respects to his wife Sue and rest of the family and remembered a man dedicated to the game as well as his infectious personality and repertoire of jokes.

A Llanrhaeadr Football Club spokesman said: "Mid Wales football have lost one of their stalwarts today with the passing of Bernie Jones. He was a hard working administrator who had a great passion for the game. Cysga’n dawel Bernie. Colled mawr."

A Welshpool Town Football Club statement read: "We are deeply saddened by news of Bernie Jones’ passing, his service to mid Wales football will always be remembered. We send our deepest condolences to Sue and the rest of his family at this difficult time. RIP.

A Forden United Football Club statement read: "All of us at Forden United were sad to hear of the passing of Montgomeryshire Amateur League legend Bernie Jones.

"Bernie devoted his life to local football and the simple fact of the matter is the amateur league would’ve been in a much worse position without him.

"He fought passionately for the grassroots game in our area and he will forever be remembered by all of the local clubs of Montgomeryshire.

"Our thoughts are with Sue and the rest of his family tonight. Rest In Peace Bernie."

A Bishop's Castle Football Club spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bernie Jones, a lovely man who dedicated his life to running local grassroots football, our condolences go to Sue and family, Bernie is a legend to so many, thank you for everything you’ve done for us and so many others, RIP Bern."

Carno Football Club released a statement saying: "We at Carno FC are all sad to hear of the passing of Bernie Jones. The reaction from clubs all over mid Wales shows the contribution he made through countless years of service to the game. Thoughts are with Sue and the family.

A Llanymynech Football Club spokesman added: "All at Llanymynech are so sad to hear of the passing of Bernie Jones. Bernie has always been very supportive and helpful for us and never failed to make me laugh when we spoke on the phone. Rest in peace Bern while a Waterloo Rovers statement read: "All of us at Waterloo are sorry to hear the sad news that Bernie has passed away. He was a fantastic man who did so much for local football. Our condolences to Sue and all of the family."

Football Association of Wales councillor Graham Evans also paid tribute.

He said: "Sincere condolences to Sue and family on the terribly sad news of Bernie’s passing. A loveable, influential and friendly character who was so passionate about grassroots football across Mid Wales. An irreplaceable loss who gave so much."

Llanidloes Cricket Club also posted a tribute on social media saying: "We would join the football lads in remembering the life of a proper mid Wales legend Bernie Jones. Lovely chap who will be missed and remembered by all that knew him."