Former Ipswich Town chairman John Kerr has died at the age of 83.

Mr Kerr, who also developed Easton Farm Park and played a leading role in Suffolk's farming life, was one of the best-known figures in the county.

He was born and brought up in Letheringham, near Wickham Market, by his parents William and Mary Kerr. His father was also a director of Ipswich Town.

Mr Kerr became chairman of the football club in 1991 - the first non-Cobbold to hold the position - and was at the helm when it became a founder member of the Premier League in 1991 after winning the Second Division title.

He was chairman until 1995 - and retained a seat on the board until 2006.

He was also an active member of the Suffolk Agricultural Association and was President of the Suffolk Show when it was visited by the Duke of Gloucester.

And he also chaired both the Framlingham and Woodbridge Horse Shows.

Mr Kerr was married to Jill and had four children: Laura, Bruce, Fiona and Alastair and eight grandchildren.

He was both a Deputy Lieutenant and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk and was chairman of Easton Parish Council and of the Woodbridge Bench of Magistrates.

He became an MBE for services to agriculture in 1986 and was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Essex in 2002.

Current Ipswich Town chairman Mike O'Leary said: "He contributed a huge amount to the Football Club and was held in high regard at Portman Road.

"This will be a tough time for his family and friends, as well as former colleagues, so right now our thoughts are with them."

A full obituary and tributes to Mr Kerr will be published by us tomorrow.