A LARGER than life sportsman and entertainer dubbed ‘our own Bruce Forsyth’, ‘the Fred Astaire of Cornwall’ and a ‘frustrated thespian’ has died of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos, aged 74.

Jack Smith was a rugby player and referee, golfer, cyclist, runner, tennis player and swimmer, and his demise has stunned his many friends across South Devon and even further afield.

He could have become a professional ballet dancer, but chose rugby instead.

See John Ware’s full tribute to Jack Smith in the Friday, October 6 editions of the Mid-Devon Advertiser and Teignmouth Post