A Hendon football legend who played for England in the Olympics has died.

Lawrence Robert “Laurie” Topp was born in St Pancras on November 11 1923 and his family later moved to Edgware.

Showing talent in all sports at school, he played for Hendon amateur FC from 1944 to 1961.

Leaving school at 16, he also worked at Desoutter Brothers, an industrial tools firm in Colindale, alongside his football pursuits.

Mr Topp worked for Desoutter through the second world war, as he was in a reserved occupation – though he did serve as a fire watcher throughout the war.

He played two matches for Great Britain as part of their Olympic football team in 1952 and 1956, though the team did not place either time.

Desoutter gave him leave when he needed to travel to play football – playing across the country and abroad for Hendon and England amateurs.

With his wife, Gladys May Cooke, he had one daughter and three sons who have since given him seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He moved to Delph House, a care home in Broadstone, Dorset, when his dementia meant he was too ill to live alone.

After a few happy years in the home, including celebrating his 90th birthday, he died aged 93 on Sunday (January 8).

His funeral will be held is at Poole Crematorium, BH17 9BQ, on Thursday, January 26 at 2.30pm.

If you have any memories of Laurie Topp you want to share, send them to rhys.handley@newsquest.co.uk or leave them in the comments below.