Hundreds of people lined the streets to say farewell to an Accrington Stanley legend.

Former player and president Eric Whalley passed away on Friday June 27 aged 73.

Players past and present from Accrington Stanley Football Club, members of Rishton Cricket Club, faces from the world of sport, family and friends gathered at St Hubert with St Wulstans RC Church on Rushton Street in Great Harwood to pay their last respects to the man who helped the Reds return to the football league.

Floral tributes spoke of a legend of East Lancashire sport.

A tribute from Rishton Cricket Club said: “In memory of Eric Whalley, president, player, friend. Forever in our thoughts.”

Touching sentiments were also made by Whalley’s children, one read: “I could not have wished for a better dad than you.

“Thank you for everything you have done for me throughout the years.”

His siblings John, Susan and Beverley said he would always be in their hearts and would never be forgotten.

Eric Whalley’s association with Accrington Stanley started over sixty years ago when he was a player before going on to management and finally taking over the reins of the club in the 1990’s.

The club have said they are currently in discussion over a permanent memorial to Eric in Great Harwood.

As well as his footballing career, he was a player at Rishton Cricket club and was eventually made president.