THE chairman of a football club is to have his ashes scattered on its pitches.

Roy Tomlinson, known as 'Big Roy,' had given 20 years of dedicated service to Feniscowles Football Club and his wife, Barbara, suggested the idea as a fitting tribute.

Mr Tomlinson, who was 56, died of lung cancer at the East Lancashire Hospice on November 24 and his funeral was held on Wednesday at Accrington Crematorium.

Mrs Tomlinson, 61, of Fielding Street, Rishton, said: "He lived for football and has spent all his life involved in it. He ate, drank and slept football and gave a large part of his life to Feniscowles.

"We are taking his ashes to scatter on the Feniscowles pitches when they play at home against Barnoldswick on December 18, which he would have liked.

Mr Tomlinson, started 20 years ago as secretary of the club, which plays in the West Lancashire League and became chairman in 1991. He also used to run the kitchen and a plaque in his honour will be erected at the clubhouse on Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

Married for 26 years he used to work as a driver and delivery man for Surridge & Dawson, Altham.

General secretary of the club Alan Akeroyd, said: "He will be sadly missed by everyone here. We will appoint someone else, but he can never be replaced.

"He was known throughout the West Lancashire League as the Big Fellow and the Gentle Giant after his favourite footballer John Charles, which he liked."

Next year, the club will name its Clubman of the Year Trophy after him as a permanent memorial.

Mr Tomlinson also leaves a son Leighton, named after Leighton James, four stepsons Glen, 41, Barry, 40, Leslie, 38 and Laurie, and a brother, Dennis.

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