SPORTSMEN from all over Britain are expected to attend the funeral of a Swindon businessman who was a leading national figure in badminton circles.

Tony Winslow, who died at the weekend, chaired the All England Badminton Association's national events and tournament committees.

He accompanied the English team on its first visit to China and was host to China's national players when they paid a return visit to Britain.

He served as secretary of the Wiltshire Badminton Association for 20 years until 1984 and in 1970 helped to form the South Western Counties Junior Association.

Until his retirement in 1997 Mr Winslow, who recently celebrated his 65th birthday, was a partner in financial services firm Winslow Brothers.

His brother Ken said: "In nearly 40 years with the firm he never took a day off sick. But recently he was diagnosed with a blood disorder which affected his immune system and meant that he failed to recover from a chest infection."

Mr Winslow first played badminton in the 1950s as a member of a Christ Church youth club. He joined Swindon Badminton Club after finishing National Service in the RAF and later helped to set up the Pinehurst Badminton Club.

When his badminton playing days ended he took up golf and became a life member of Swindon, later the Ogbourne Downs, Golf Club.

Ken said: "In both sports he particularly enjoyed coaching and encouraging youngsters. Young members of the Pinehurst club knew him as Uncle Tone."

He was also a founder member of the Swindon Youth Fellowship and had been nominated to receive one of the Swindon Youth Awards which will be presented in November.

The family firm, which began as a credit drapery business, was set up by his grandfather and continued by his father Denis until Tony and Ken took over.

Tony, who never married, lived in Old Town all his life.

Ken added: "He loved it and was sorry to see the way was changing. He regularly walked around Coate Water and birds and woodland were among his interests."

Besides his brother, Mr Winslow leaves a nephew, Simon, and a niece, Charlotte Burridge.

The funeral will take place at Christ Church at 12.30pm on Friday.