Tributes have been paid to “local legend” John Brown who trained thousands of the city’s youngsters in the art of boxing, including former Olympic medallist Tony Jeffries.

John sadly passed away last month (October) at the age of 85 after long battle with his health, following a stroke.

John Brown AKA Pastie during his time running Sunderland Amateur Boxing Club. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — John Brown AKA Pastie during his time running Sunderland Amateur Boxing Club. | Sunderland Echo

He died just three weeks after the passing of his wife Betty.

John established the Sunderland Amateur Boxing Club in the 1970s and spent the following decades training thousands of children and young men in the city and “helping to keep them on the straight and narrow”.

John Brown (grey Lonsdale top) alongside young boxers from Sunderland ABC on a boxing trip to London. | Geoff Rushworth

One of those was former amateur boxer Geoff Rushworth, 64, who was trained by John - also known affectionately as Pastie - whom he went on to be close friends after retiring from the ring.

Geoff, who lives in Castletown, said: “Pastie was a real local legend in the East End where he was born and grew up in Hendon.

“He was a great man - very friendly and he would do anything for anyone. He trained me from 1973 to 1989 and he will be a huge miss to everyone in the boxing world and anyone who lives in the East End.

“As kids, he took us all across the country and Europe, taking part in boxing events. He has had an impact on the lives of thousands of kids in the city, giving them a focus through boxing and helping to keep them on the straight and narrow.”

John Brown (front left) and Geoff Rushworth (directly above John) and other youngsters at Sunderland ABC. | Sunderland Echo

Before becoming a trainer, Geoff was also a successful amateur boxer.

His brother-in-law Ken Stamp said: “John was born above his grandmother Nellie Burlinsons pie and pasties shop and bakery.

“At the age of 14 he joined Lambton Street Boys Club as a young boxer. He went on to win the prestigious Black Cup three times for the club.

“John had a love of the boxing game like no one else I know. His nickname stuck as Pastie because of the connection to his family history of Burlison pies and pasties. He was well respected by all who knew him, and was generous to those who needed help.

“John will be grieved and missed greatly, but he will stay in the hearts forever of all lucky enough to know this great legend.”

Pastie also became well known to people in the city in his time as a publican.

Ken said: “He was a master builder and later went on to run The Hendon Gardens Hotel and The Railway Tavern in Millfield for many years.”

Pastie was laid to rest on Friday November 7.

Geoff said: “I’ve never seen so many people at a funeral service.”