PETER Stone, one of Oxfordshire rugby’s longest-serving players and officials, has died at the age of 86.

Renowned as a winger possessing outstanding speed and a devastating hand-off, he made a then record number of 56 appearances for Oxfordshire in the 1950s.

He played his club rugby for Oxford, who at that time had a strong fixture list, which included Northampton, Coventry and Wasps.

A bank manager by profession – he was manager at both Cowley Road and Carfax in Oxford during a 38-year career with Barclays – he was treasurer of Oxfordshire RFU for more than 20 years, and achieved the accolade of being appointed county president from 1985-1987. He was made an honorary life vice-president in 2012.

Mr Stone, who attended Oxford High School, was proficient at a number of sports.

He was a noted member of City of Oxford Athletics Club, where his specialities were the 440 yards, the long jump and high jump, and represented the county. Later he became the club’s captain and treasurer and was a life vice president.

Later Mr Stone became an active member of Oxford Sports Lawn Tennis Club and Frilford Heath Golf Club.

David Bagnall, a long-time colleague at Oxford RFC said: “Peter was not one to push himself forward, but he had a quiet sense of humour and was a great friend.”

Mr Stone, who lived latterly in Cumnor, leaves a widow Hilary, a son Chris, who played for Oxford RFC, and two daughters, Julie and Helen.

There are also nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

After a private cremation, a funeral service will be held at St Michael’s Church, Cumnor, tomorrow at 2.30pm, to be followed by a reception at Frilford Heath Golf Club.