The funeral of a Bolton Wanderers legend, who was described as Bolton's 'lanky genius,' took place today at Bolton Parish Church on Silverwell Street.

Freddie Hill died, aged 81, on October 1 at Glenhomes Care Home and a heartwarming and beautiful tribute was paid to him at his funeral this morning.

The funeral service began at 10:30am and the church was packed full of family, friends and football supporters from near and far who knew Freddie Hill as one of the 'most entertaining and modest men' to ever play for Bolton.

The service began with entrance music called A Love So Beautiful by Roy Orbison before being followed by a welcome and opening prayer.

Family and friends took part in singing the hymns, The Lord's My Shepherd and Abide With Me, alongside three touching tributes and a poem which was read in honour of Freddie Hill.

Robert Green was the first to pay tribute to his friend stating that Freddie was his 'hero' and although he was told by his dad you should never meet your idols, Robert said: "Mine and Freddie's friendship was the most important friendship of my life."

Mr Green grew up watching Freddie play for Bolton Wanderers before he moved onto Manchester City and it was the off chance that one day in his thirties, Robert was asked by some friends to play snooker with them and Freddie in Bolton, and that was the day they became friends for life, spending countless hours playing snooker together.

Each tribute shared touching and funny memories of Freddie's life; speaking about how he was always making jokes and never took life too seriously.

Howard Broadbent paid tribute to Freddie by reading a poem with the touching lines, "Skill, Skill that was Freddie Hill, the greatest striker of them all," followed by Wanderers' club chaplain Phil Mason, who said "Freddie was known as a Bolton celebrity" and "he was a loving, kind and caring, modest man."

The service finished by following the coffin out of the church for a private family committal, with Smile by Nat King Cole played through speakers.

Freddie was the loving dad to Graham and Stuart, brother to Alan and his partner Richard, father-in-law to Debbie and the late Vicky, cherished grandad to Lucy and Oliver, Lewis, George and Sam and great grandad to Lillie.

A loving tribute was also made to the Wanderers’ top scorer at the Bolton game on Saturday, where 20,000 fans stood in silence to remember the legend that was, Freddie Hill.

Donation's in memory of Freddie can be made to the Alzheimer's Society.

All enquires to Coop Funeralcare, Tel 01204 307151