Roy Gelling: Tributes paid to race marshal who has died aged 93

Roy Gelling completed 65 snooker seasons without missing a league match

Tributes have been paid to a Manx snooker "legend" and Southern 100 road races stalwart who has died aged 93.

Roy Gelling had also been captain of the Parish of Malew since 1996.

Mr Gelling marshalled at the first Southern 100 on the Billown circuit in 1955, and continued to do so for more than 60 years.

Race organisers said he was "famous for his hospitality" and helped the event to gain its reputation as the "friendly races".

A spokesman for the Southern 100 Club said Mr Gelling "entertained fellow race fans" on specially-erected scaffolding on his farm while keeping an "eagle eye" on the action and fundraising for the event.

He received special recognition of his 60 years of service at the races' 60th celebrations in 2015, and volunteered until 2022, he said.

Roy Gelling (centre) marshalled at the first Southern 100 in 1955

Mr Gelling was also the president of the Isle of Man Billiards and Snooker Association (IOMBSA) and completed 65 seasons of playing snooker for Malew without missing a league match.

A spokesman said Mr Gelling was instrumental in developing the sport and his "impact on the IOMBSA was tremendous".

"His presence brought a wealth of knowledge, passion, and excitement to the association", he said.

Chairman Ken Kinrade said as president and the longest serving member of the association, Mr Gelling had supported many events and sponsored the Island Championship.

Describing him as a "legend", he said: "Anyone who had to play Roy over all those years will know what a competitor he was".

The Southern 100 Club, the IOMBSA and Malew Commissioners each sent their condolences to Mr Gelling's family and friends.

A new captain of the parish of Malew, a largely ceremonial role held in each of the island's 17 parishes, will be appointed by Lieutenant Governor.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]