PAUL Flatters, a well-known figure in local football and cricket, has died, aged 58.

He played with and managed many hundreds of amateur footballers over more than three decades, and played cricket for Blackrod, Horwich, British Aerospace and Spring View in the Bolton League and Association.

He started his football career with Blackrod Rovers, progressing from the Third Division of the former Bolton Sports Federation to the Premier Division of the Bolton Combination, winning many trophies in the process.

Blackrod Rovers were then merged with Blackrod Town and Mr Flatters continued to play a big part in the team's successes.

After hanging up his boots he managed Blackrod Town reserves and then progressed to the first team.

He then moved into the junior game where he managed a local Blackrod team.

He was an opening batsman with a swashbuckling style who scored many centuries during his cricket career.

Part of a large extended sporting family in Blackrod, he leaves a wife Janet, mother Jean, son Craig, daughter Jodie and brothers Arthur, Denis, Bobby, Barry.

He died suddenly after having a heart attack and a funeral service will be held on Friday, June 16 at 1.30pm at St Katherine's Church, Blackrod.