SPORTING gentleman Jim Warburton has died, aged 70, after a long illness.

Tyldesley-born Jim was a Sale Lane United footballer in the 1940s and 50s before injury forced him to quit playing.

He started refereeing with the Leigh and District Association Football Referees Society and progressed through the Leigh and District SS League (now the Leigh Amateur League) through the Bolton Combination and Lancashire Combination to the Football League.

He officiated at many FA Cup and county matches and was an international linesman. But he never forgot his roots and when not involved at the highest level could be seen refereeing local league games. When he hung-up his whistle his experience became invaluable as a referee assessor and he was always willing to offer advice to those starting out in the game.

His service earned him the Referees Association meritorious service award and the Lancashire FA order of merit. He was a life member of the Leigh Referees Society and Leigh Amateur League, having also served as League secretary.

A founder member of Atherton Sports Council Jim's interests covered a variety of sports.

Roy Birchall, president of Leigh and District Association Football Referees Society, paid tribute:"The district has lost one of its sporting gentleman and I a sporting colleague and friend. Long may his memory live on."

Grandfather Jim leaves a wife, Jean, and a daughter, Margaret. The funeral took place on Friday at Overdale.

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