FLAGS at Turf Moor football ground flew at half mast in respect for Eric Blackburn, a gate-keeper at the club for 37 years.

Staff stood outside the club gates as the funeral cortege drove past for a service and cremation at Burnley Crematorium.

Mr Blackburn, 68, of Newground Court, was popular in sporting circles in the town and for many years had umpired in the local Cricket leagues, mainly at Towneley Park.

He was at Burnley Cricket Club on Sunday, the day before he died from a heart attack.

Burnley-born Mr Blackburn worked as an engineering inspector for over twenty years at GEC and after that at John Cotton, Colne, until his retirement three years ago.

He played soccer for the RAF and was one of the area's top table tennis players.

His sons, David, Keith and Martin, played soccer in the local leagues.

Speaking for the family, daughter-in-law, Bernadette, said: "He had claret and blue eyes and was Burnley through and through. He would not have a word said against the club.

The funeral took place yesterday. Mr Blackburn leaves a widow, Margaret, three sons and four grandchildren.

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