A well-known Hucknall businessman and prominent figure in the local community has died at the age of 45 it has been announced.

Jamie Brough who founded Sports Gateway in 2015 passed away on Sunday 1 May, he leaves behind his wife Karen and three children. No cause of death has been confirmed.

Last night (Thursday 5 May) a statement released on Sports Gateway's Facebook page read: "With deep sorrow, we announce the passing on Sunday 1st May of Jamie Brough, founder of Sports Gateway.

"Mr Jamie Brough aged 45, who lived in Hucknall, has been working in sports for over 20 years and was passionate about making sports accessible for all to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people in Hucknall and the wider area. He leaves behind his wife and three children.

"Jamie was devoted to Sports Gateway, the staff and students, and saw them as an extension of his family. He will always be remembered for his tireless efforts and passion to make Sports Gateway a place where students can excel in sports and education.

"Jamie's passion was to create an inclusive, enjoyable and inspiring environment, where all students are welcomed, encouraged and supported to be the best version of themselves.

"Jamie has developed an incredible and capable staff team at Sports Gateway. This team are committed to ensuring the students are supported through this difficult time and are dedicated to continuing with Jamie's vision and ethos for Sports Gateway. Sports Gateway will continue to operate as normal and all events and activities will take place as planned.

"We are expecting 41 students to graduate this year with a Level 3 Diploma in Sports and we will welcome 40 new school leavers in September 2022."

Just last week, Mr Brough was confirmed as the new Chairman of Basford United Football Club. He told the club's website he was "delighted to be joining Basford United FC".

Basford led the tributes to Mr Brough on social media by tweeting: "It is with great sadness and heartbreak that Basford United Football Club announce the passing of newly-appointed chairman and director, Jamie Brough, on Sunday, May 1.

"Our thoughts and condolences go to Jamie's wife Karen and his entire family at this incredibly difficult time."

There were hundreds of comments and reactions to Sports Gateway's Facebook post within just a couple of hours of it being published.

One of the first people to comment was Richard Johnson, owner of Hucknall business Peppers Convenience Store.

He wrote: "Such sad news, our thoughts go out to Karen and family. RIP Jamie. A great loss for Hucknall and football."

Mr Brough regularly communicated with Hucknall Nub News and was supportive of our work. He shared the latest news and developments regarding Sports Gateway with us and was generous with his time.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family at this incredibly difficult time.