A CHARITY football match will be held in memory of a well known man from Great Harwood.

The match, organised in memory of Peter Nellany, will take place on 20 May at Padiham Football Club.

The fundraising event has been organised by Matthew Booth, 21, of Queen Street, Clayton-le-Moors, in memory of his girlfriend's granddad.

He said: "I have seen how much people are still grieving and I wanted to celebrate his life. He loved football, so it seems very fitting.

"So far we have sold over 100 tickets just to friends and family and we want as many people as possible to come along and support the event.”

Father-of-five Peter, who passed away in December after battling skin cancer for seven years, was married to wife Carol for 48 years.

Money raised will be donated to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, where Peter was treated, and Help for Heroes.

Peter's daughter Bernadette Owen, 46, of Sparth Road, Clayton-le-Moors, said: "He was such a strong man and didn't want anybody feeling any pity for him.

In April, Peter was told he had 4-6 months to live by doctors, but because of his determination he lasted until December.

"He lived life to the full and he loved his wife and family. He had a lot of friends and it just shows how well thought of my dad was."

Speaking about the football match, she said: "My mum is touched at Matthew's suggestion, we all are. We hope to raise as much money as possible for Rosemere. The doctors and nurses were fantastic and we wanted to give something back."

Local businesses in Great Harwood, Clayton-le-Moors and Accrington have generously donated items for the charity raffle.

Tickets are £5 or £15 for a family ticket.. Call 07592 809 555 or 07950 450 439.