TRIBUTES have been paid to a grassroots football stalwart who was also well-known for making 'fantastic sausage and bacon barms in the club cafe.

Club officials at Westhoughton Rangers have expressed their sadness the news that former club secretary Ken Gore died aged 76 on August 16.

Mark Hester club secretary said: "I first met Ken 17 years ago when i got my son in a team at Westhoughton Rangers.

"Ken was club secretary, and was at the forefront of setting up and bringing new teams to the club.

"Ken would often coach these teams while still undertaking his role as club secretary.

"He came to the club in the late 80s and it wasn’t long before he fell in love with the club.

"Ken was somebody who would help anyone and was always the go to person if you needed help.

"As the years went on, he decided to take over the role in the cafe and it wasn’t long before people were queuing for his fantastic sausage and bacon barms.

"His commitment to the club was second to none and he would be there every weekend from 7am until the last team had gone home, he would often stay behind and do odd jobs around the club from painting to fixing whatever needed doing.

"The whole club was devastated by the news of his death.

"A lot of previous managers have also contacted me to send their condolences, which is testament to how popular Ken was at the club."

Ken was so well-known in local football circles and was given some recognition for his efforts on the Spirit of Sport statue near Bolton Wanderers ground.

Mr Hester added: "Ken was given recognition of his voluntary work and was placed on the sporting monument at Bolton Wanderers next to our chairman.

" Ken was honoured to be on the monument. Ken decided to leave the the club around 6 years ago to spend more time with his family.

"Ken was a great mentor to me and I was asked to take over his role at the club.

"Before he left he made sure everything was in place for the club to carry on and be a great success.

"Even when he left he was always available at the the end of a phone to help with whatever problems I had at the club.

"The club will be holding a minutes silence at the start of the season."