A FORMER British and European barefoot water ski champion has died aged 90.

John Horder won 17 medals at national and European level throughout his career and twice held the British speed record for barefoot water skiing.

Mr Horder, who was nicknamed Gosfield John due to his association with Gosfield Water Ski Club, died on Saturday surrounded by friends and family.

During his career, he trained with a number of world champions and helped train water skiers across East Anglia and in London in the 1970's.

Mr Horder ran a motor and property business alongside his barefoot water skiing career.

His dedication to the sport saw him spend more than 20 years at the Gosfield Water Ski club both as a member and an owner.

Mr Horder's son Jeremy said: "He was relentless at practice.

"I recall accompanying him as a boy down to the lake for practice one Boxing Day."

Mr Horder and his wife Sylvia lived in Great Maplestead during his water skiing career before they relocated to Long Melford, Suffolk, 25 years ago.

They were both said to be an active part of village life up until Syvlia's death in 2016.

As well as his son Jeremy, Mr Horder is survived by daughter Jane and younger sister Joan.