TRIBUTES have poured in for former landlord Charlie Metcalf, who will be long remembered for his footballing and music connections in Radcliffe.

Charlie, a stalwart of the amateur football scene for more than 60 years, died aged 81, following a short illness.

He served with the Royal Navy before becoming owner of the Radcliffe record and electrical shop Metcalf's after the Second World War.

Later he took over the Masons Arms in Sion Street, Radcliffe where he proved a popular landlord.

Charlie and his late wife Edith had two sons, Peter and Philip.

Son Peter said: " Dad was one of the first people to own a record shop in Radcliffe. From the Fifties to the Seventies he saw many changes in musical styles and introduced many Radcliffe folk to the 'Fab Four's' music."

Charlie, who lived in Belgrave Close, was a devoted football fan and was one of the founder members of Radcliffe Technical College Old Boys in 1936, which was renamed Radcliffe Amateurs in 1949. After hanging up his boots as a player he became president.

In the 1990s, he was awarded a medal by the FA for 60 years' service to the amateur game, presented by then president Graham Kelly.

He remained active with the club, who play their games at Outwood Road, and still held the post of chairman. He also remained on the committee of the Lancashire Amateur League.

Former player and manager Harry Howarth said:" Charlie had held every position in the club.

"His stubborness, grit, determination and sheer love of the game has meant Radcliffe Amateurs is still thriving today. Without him, I don't think it would still be running."

Post-war club secretary Travis Trickett said: "I first got to know Charlie in 1933. Football was his life, and he would do anything for anyone."

A minute's silence was held in Charlie's honour at games throughout the Lancashire Amateur League last Saturday.

The club fittingly has the chance to clinch the First Division championship this Saturday (March 23) against Thornleigh.

His funeral on Monday (March 18) at Wesley Methodist Church, Radcliffe, was attended by more than 150 people. It was followed by committal at Overdale Crematorium in Bolton.