John Mohan, a talented and popular York sportsman, has died of a heart attack at Royal Ascot, aged 61.

Mohan regularly attended the race meeting with a group of close friends, but died suddenly at the course last Friday.

The son of Edie and Gerard Mohan, Mohan was born and brought up in York along with his two older sisters, Barbara and Jean. He attended Nunthorpe Grammar School and worked for many years for the Inland Revenue. From an early age, he played football with friends on Melrosegate playing fields, before helping to form Melrose FC, a club which became one of the most successful in the York & District League.

Helped by Mohan’s outstanding footballing talent – it was said he could “turn a ball on a sixpence” and he had trials with Football League clubs – the Melrose team quickly progressed through all the divisions, finally promoted to division one in 1972/73.

His cricketing talents emerged later in life and Mohan was a skilled performer for Heworth Cricket Club for ten years from 1972 to 1982.

He was a left-handed opening batsman as well as an accomplished bowler.

In 1982, he joined Osbaldwick CC and remained there until 1988, when he moved with his wife and family to live and work in Scarborough.

He continued playing cricket for the Civil Service there, but maintained his links with Osbaldwick by entering his Scarborough team in their annual six-a-side competition.

Mohan leaves behind his wife, Junita, and grown-up children Michael and Meryll.

Anyone wishing to pay their respects and help celebrate his memory are welcome to attend Woodlands Crematorium, Scarborough, on Tuesday, June 28, at 12.40pm, followed by refreshments at Scarborough Cricket Club.