A MEMORIAL bench has been unveiled to honour one of Halstead's many community stalwarts.

Dave ‘Ozzy’ Osbourne died aged 81 on September 26 last year after a long battle with lung fibrosis.

But now the highly regarded historian, author, and former Gazette journalist has been honoured by Halstead Town FC with the unveiling of a bench at the ground.

The bench reads ‘In memory of Dave ‘Ozzy’ Osborne and his 70 years service to the club’, and Dave’s wife, Jo-Anne, is honoured by the decision from the club.

She said: “It really is lovely.

“They asked me and the family what we wanted and we worked together to put this together.

“It does mean a lot to the whole family, and is quite touching to see how highly he was thought of.”

Born and bred in Halstead, he was a founding member of Halstead History Society 40 years ago.

Mr Osborne spent more than 40 years working for the Gazette, was a keen historian, member of Halstead Town Football Club, and author of titles including Shopping in Halstead A Century Ago and A History of Halstead Town Football Club 1879-2010.

He attended Holy Trinity Primary School before moving to Earls Colne Grammar School.

He started working life at a Courtauld mill, before settling down at the Gazette, where he worked on the news and sport departments.

Jo-Anne added: “I have been saying it too a lot of people, but it is lovely and we are all very proud.

“I never realised they held him in such a high regard, I knew he did a lot at the club and was close to a few of them.

“But after he died we had so many emails and messages from people, and now this as well.

“It really does make me smile and is a fantastic way to remember him.”

The bench has been positioned at Halstead Town Football Club, and there will be an unveiling ceremony at the start of the season.