BLACKBURN Rovers star David Dunn maybe leaving for Birmingham City, for a fee of £5.5million, but he will never be far from the hearts of people in East Lancashire.

Despite criticism from manager Graeme Souness earlier this year after newspaper reports linked him with the London party scene, the 23-year-old has won many friends for his behaviour both and off the field.

He has coupled his footballing prowess with a community spirited attitude that has ensured his popularity with local groups and individuals, particularly those from his home town of Great Harwood.

Glenis Duxberry, 55, of School Street, Great Harwood, remembers David from when he was very little -- she was his cub and scout master at St Wulstan's Scout Group, in Great Harwood. She said: "He was a very polite, well-behaved and quiet young boy. He used to play with my son Paul and they still stay in touch.

"He stayed in contact with us throughout his time at Rovers and whenever we needed somebody to come down to do a presentation he just came and did it."

The group's current leader Pat Whitehead, of Altham, said: "The last time he came he was very nice and friendly and handed out all the awards for the scouts.

"We're sad to see him go, but I'm sure we could twist his arm to come back to Great Harwood!"

Christine Whalley is headteacher of David's old school -- St Wulstan's Primary, in Rushton Street, Great Harwood. She said: "I am delighted with the support the school has received from David. He comes to all the matches after school and he's always on the touchline.

"He even spotted one of our team players and put him forward to go for some extra training at Rovers. We wish him all the best."

Phil Mooney is deputy head of St Augustine's RC High, in Elker Lane, Billington, where David attended from 1991 to 1996. When David was publicly criticised by manager Graeme Souness he spoke out in support of his former pupil.

He said: "He was always considered to be an engaging and polite pupil but one who nevertheless had the inevitable schoolboy scrapes. On these rare occasions his honest and charming personality came in useful when being spoken to by staff. While he was always recognized as having technical abilities beyond his years David felt more at home as one of the gang and there was never any trace of arrogance which some sporting starlets seem to associate themselves with.

"It is commonly known that David has paid particular attention to the needs of his local community and has rarely turned down requests to attend prize-giving or charity functions.

"Only this weekend when St Augustine's was celebrating its 40th year as a school David took the time out to buy his ticket and support our reunion events.

"We have benefited significantly as a school from David's generosity in this respect and this remains a lasting testimony to his understanding of his roots."

Liz Barnes, of Gareth's Florists, in Queen Street, has sponsored David in Rovers' match programme for the last three years.

She said: "We're really disappointed that he's going, not only because I am a Rovers fan and he's a great player, but because he's a local lad.

As well as helping with presentations and speech days David also took time out to lift the spirits of children who were suffering from severe illnesses. Kidney transplant teenager Faizan Awan, of Leamington Road, was one such 14-year-old who David met at Rovers Brockhall training ground.