TEAATES of an amateur footballer who died aged 49 have paid tribute to the man they say was the heart and soul of the club.

John Booth, who played for Oswaldtwistle Rovers and Rangers for more than 20 years, died on Tuesday at his home in Foulridge, following a short battle with cancer.

He leaves his wife of 23 years Barbara, headteacher at Shadsworth Infants School, Blackburn, and children Jonathan, 19, and Katherine, 12.

Robin Bracewell, a fellow player from the former Accrington Combination League team, said: "John was one of the original lads and the heart and soul of the club. He had problems with his knees but even if his kneecap popped out he'd just have it put back and carry on playing.

"He was always determined to finish the game and had that determination in all areas of his life.

"A lot of us have kept in touch and his death came as shock. Many of the players didn't believe it when they heard."

Former treasurer of the club Dorothy Davies added: "He was grand lad with a very nice family and this is a very sad time for everyone who knew him."

Many former members of the teams and committee are expected to attend a funeral service on Monday.

Mr Booth was involved with Oswaldtwistle's twinning with Falkenberg, Sweden, while with the club and also played for Baxenden Football Club.

He was raised in Hyndburn by his parents George and the late Connie, who was the first female director of Accrington Stanley, and attended Hippings Methodist School followed by Rhyddings High School.

After leaving education he began work for Platt Saco Lowell, Accrington, before joining Hollingsworth Textiles, Oswaldtwistle, as managing director.

His funeral service was due to take place today at St Michael and All Angels, Foulridge, from 1.30pm.

They are setting up the John Booth Memorial Fund to buy equipment for the district nurses who helped him and his family for which donations will be accepted.

Full details are available from L Champ funeral directors on 01254 390731 or Mr R Haworth on 01282 776591.