TRIBUTES have been paid to a football stalwart who continued to referee matches well beyond the official retirement age.

Soccer supporters across the borough have united in praise of veteran official Alan Ludlam, who died at the age of 91.

Mr Ludlam became a minor legend across the borough’s lower leagues and is believed to have officiated at games until just before his 70th birthday.

His fair-minded approach to the game, and unbridled enthusiasm, won him friends from teams arriving to play at football hotbeds including the former Lucas sports ground, The Prairie and Towneley playing fields.

Stuart Nicolson, chairman of Burnley Referees Association, said: “As far as we are concerned he was a great character and will be sorely missed.”

Other referees have also recalled how he acted as a friendly mentor to younger colleagues entering the sport.

Sonny Burnett, posting on an internet messageboard, said: “I remember playing at Worsthorne Rec on a freezing afternoon.

“Someone put the ball about 50 yards into the adjoining field. Alan was straight over the fence and back with the ball before anyone could move.”

The great-grandfather, who was married to the late Margery Ludlam, is survived by his sons David and Roy. His funeral took place at Burnley Crematorium.

He lived latterly at the Lower Ridge nursing home in Belvedere Road and is known to have ran his own cafe in Todmorden Road and worked at the home appliances manufacturer Bellings.