OXFORDSHIRE snooker and billiards stalwart Ken Olive has died aged 95.

A World War Two veteran, who served in the RAF as a navigator, he was well known throughout the county having played for 60 years.

Hailing from Blackbird Leys, he served as president of the Oxford and District Billiards & Snooker Association (ODBSA) for a decade up until his death on Sunday.

Lewis Moss, secretary of the ODBSA, said: “Ken was profoundly loved throughout the county.

“Everyone throughout the association would have crossed paths with Ken at some point in their lives, either having him as an opponent or his speeches at the AGM.

“Ken was a true gentleman and a dear friend.

“As a youngster, I will never forgot the advice he gave me: in both snooker and billiards, if you control the white, you control the game.

“He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts go out to Ken’s wife and his family.”

Olive played up to his late 80s at the Cowley Conservative Club.

As a sign of the esteem in which he was held, the committee last year named the over 50s snooker competition in his honour.

He leaves wife Thelma, son Mick, five step-children Ken, Tony, Anne, Ray and Sharon, as well as grandchildren and

great-grandchildren.