Thea Bristow: Torquay United chairwoman quits role early

Thea Bristow was a souvenir-maker and cub scout leader before winning the lottery

Torquay chairwoman Thea Bristow has formally stood down from her role at the club, a month earlier than planned.

Bristow had said she would quit at the end of the season, but has relinquished her position with immediate effect.

"It has become increasingly obvious to me that the interests of the club are better served by allowing the board to continue the plans for the rest of this season," she said in a statement.

Bristow will now become lifetime president of the Conference club.

"I am afraid I will continue to be an ever-present sight and sound at Torquay's matches, waving and clacking in what I hope is a presidential manner," she added.

Bristow and her husband Paul took over at Torquay in 2007.

She assumed his role on the board and became chairwoman in 2013.

"Thea's contribution to the club is unparalleled over the last few years and the board felt it was very important we show that," said vice-chairman Bill Phillips on Bristow becoming lifetime president at Plainmoor.