The nephew of a late Blackburn Rovers player from the 40s and 50s is looking to pass on memorabilia from his uncle's footballing days to a "real strong fan". 

Derek Bell, 83, from Newcastle, inherited keepsakes from his uncle, Eric Bell, who played as a wing half for Rovers from 1946 to 1957 after being scouted following the end of the Second World War.

For the five years he was in the war from the age of 17, he played only local football, until he was able to join Rovers in his 20s.

He went on to clock up more than 300 games for the club.

When Eric and his wife died, they left Derek the memorabilia in their wills.

Derek travelled down to Morecambe to organise his uncle's things, and in the garage he found many items from when Eric first played for the club.

Derek said: “I’m the last in the line of Bells, and I would love these memorabilia to be given to a real strong fan of Blackburn Rovers.

“There are photographs of when the team was abroad, and I have the programme of when they played Preston North End.

“All the programme is two bits of paper that cost 2p, but if we get the right person, I’m prepared to bring the stuff down to Blackburn."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Derek used to visit his uncle during the school holidays when he was aged seven in a house in Blackburn that was provided to them by Rovers.

In the Easter holidays, when there were local derby matches, Derek was invited to go on the players bus with them to celebrate.

He added: “If I passed away tomorrow all this would be thrown away, and we don’t want that.

"I want to find someone associated with Rovers who would appreciate it.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Fans who may be interested in claiming the memorabilia should contact The Lancashire Telegraph on 01254 678678 or lt_editorial@nqnw.co.uk.