The leader of Waltham Forest Council Clare Coghill has paid tribute to former England footballer Cyrille Regis, who died aged 59 this week.

Mr Regis had been on hand in November for the unveiling of a statue of his friend, Leyton Orient legend Laurie Cunningham, at a ceremony in Coronation Gardens in Leyton in November.

The pair had played alongside one another for two seasons at West Bromwich Albion and were trail blazed by becoming only the second and third ever black players to earn senior England caps.

Cllr Coghill said: “Just a few short weeks ago we unveiled a statue in Leyton dedicated to the memory of Laurie Cunningham, a footballing legend whose time was cut tragically short.

“At the event I was lucky enough to be introduced to Cyrille Regis, Laurie’s West Bromwich Albion teammate.

“We spoke a little about football and about Laurie – it was a pleasure to meet a true giant of the game.

“His intelligence and gentle nature shone through even during the brief time we spent together.

“I would like pass my condolences to his friends and family at this sad time.

“His legacy will not only be his contribution on the pitch but also his dignified and unwavering stance against racism and bigotry that was so much of a feature of football in his time."