A POPULAR stalwart of local football in Rossendale has died aged 81.

Kenneth Peters, whose son Brent is the colourful manager of Bacup Borough FC, died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Brent said his dad's health deteriorated after he stubbed his toe more than a month ago.

He was taken into hospital where he underwent a major surgery on his foot to renew the blood flow.

He battled through a catalogue of heart and kidney problems but died last Wednesday morning.

Mr Peters said: “My dad was what you could only describe as a character.

“He was as devoted to his grandchildren as they were to him.

“He loved a drink and a smoke and despite being told not to he would often sneak one when he thought we weren’t looking.

“He and my son Martin were more like brothers, as they were always being mischievous.

“Even on the night before he died he was trying to persuade Martin to get him a cigarette.”

Kenneth was vice chairman of Bacup Borough FC and a former director of Rossendale Football Club.

He lived in Windsor Avenue, Staghills, Newchurch, with his wife of 61 years Alice. He could see Rossendale United's ground from his house.

He began his love affair with the beautiful game during his time in the RAF.

When he left he set up Newchurch Albion, a Sunday league youth team for his son and his friends.

He became a prominent director at Rossendale United during the 1960’s and 70’s before following his only son to Glossop Football Club and Bacup Borough.

The former coach driver leaves behind his wife and son, daughter-in-law Janice, grandchildren Natalie, 31, and Martin, 25, plus great-grandchildren Kaci Leigh, five and Harley Jack, two.

The funeral will take place next Friday at Burnley Crematorium at 11.15am followed by a wake at Bacup Borough.

Family flowers only but donations to the British Heart Foundation.