A Wimbledon referee of more than two decades has died at the age of 88, the ATP Tour has announced.

Born in Stretford, Alan Mills served as the All-England Club referee between the 1980s and the 2000s.

In the role Mr Mills was responsible for the running of the tennis tournament and was known as 'Rain Man' for appearing at Centre Court, walkie-talkie in hand, whenever there was inclement weather.

He died on January 18, 2024, at the age of 88, after which the ATP Tour said he had "an impeccable character" and fellow former official Gerry Armstong said working with him was "a great honour".

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Mr Armstrong said: "Alan was a great influence on myself and on officials around the world. He was always encouraging during the years we worked together at Wimbledon and on the ATP Tour. 

"It was a great honour to work alongside him in professional tennis."

Prior to the role off the court Mr Mills had a career on the court in which he reached the fourth round of the Wimbledon singles event on two occasions and the semi-finals of the Wimbledon doubles event in 1966.

In 2006 he became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the sport.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.