Tributes have been paid to an “unbeatable” quiz player who has died of cancer.

Bob Sullivan was known across the borough for his enviable knowledge when it came to pub quizzes.

The 58-year-old was part of the Wigan Athletics team who were regulars at the Elephant Inn in Ballards Lane, North Finchley.

Friend Ron Crewdson said: “He was a legend in the quiz circuit, everyone knew him. If you walked into a pub and saw Bob sitting there you knew you didn’t stand a chance. He was virtually unbeatable. His knowledge was just unbelievable, particularly in politics. 

“He was a good, fun and remarkable man.”

Mr Sullivan, known to friends as Whiskers because of his beard, worked as a higher executive officer for the Treasury and was also a keen supporter of the The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals.

Mr Crewdson said: “He had three ambitions in life – to see the inauguration of the new Pope, to outlive Margaret Thatcher and to be reunited with his old quiz mates.

“He didn’t make the latter but his reception will be held at the Elephant Inn in his honour.”

Mr Sullivan used to live in High Road North Finchley before moving to Bounds Green. He died of cancer at Springdene Nursing Home in Whetstone on Sunday April 14.

His funeral will be held at St Marylebone Cemetery in East End Road, Finchley, at 12pm today.