A HOST of footballing stars from yesteryear paid their tributes to former Shakers, Bolton Wanderers and England star Ray Parry.

The 67-year-old was cremated at Overdale Crematorium following a service at St Andrew's Church, in Over Hulton, on Friday following his death from cancer last week.

Mr Parry, who was said to have had impeccable dress sense, made his name playing as an inside forward for the Super Whites.

Ex-Bolton ace Peter Deakin called him "the David Beckham of his era".

Among the former players who turned up for the funeral were Wanderers legend Nat Lofthouse, Brian Edwards and Warwick Rimmer.

Bolton supporter Florence Brandwood, aged 80, who watched Mr Parry play his debut match for the Super Whites against Wolves more than 50 years ago, also attended along with former Bolton Mayor John Walsh and deputy Labour leader Guy Harkin.

The church service began with a rendition of the favourite FA Cup hymn, Abide With Me.

Mr Deakin told the church congregation: "Ray was a fine person who laughed often, spontaneously and sometimes uncontrollably."

He added: "His skills endeared him to the Bolton public but fame never changed him as a person. He remained a popular figure in Bolton."

Family friend Frank Hulme continued the accolades. He said Mr Parry was "an unassuming man who was quiet around people he didn't know very well".

Mr Parry was a member of Bolton's 1958 FA Cup winning team. He won two full England caps in the mid-1950s against Scotland and Northern Ireland.

He was also the youngest player ever to play in the First Division in 1951 when he played for Bolton against Wolves at the tender age of just 15 years and 267 days.

Mr Parry had four brothers who were accomplished footballers. Jack, aged 71, played for Derby, Reg, aged 74, played for Plymouth Argyle, Cyril, aged 64, for Notts County and Glyn, aged 69, for Gresley Rovers and Derby County reserves.

He was married with two daughters and had two other brothers who did not go into football -- Michael and Terry, who are now in their 50s.

Mr Parry signed for Bolton in 1951 following a spell with Derby Boys. After retiring from football he ran a newsagents on Newport Street, in Bolton town centre, for many years.