The funeral of a popular cricket stalwart and grassroots sports legend is taking place today.

Ken Burns died peacefully on June 20, aged 84.

The service will be held at Holy Trinity, Horwich Parish Church at 10.45am, prior to committal at Ridgmont Cemetery and the dress code is summer smart.

Mourners can also attend the celebration of his life at Horwich RMI CC.

Son Liam has paid to tribute to his dad who was a ‘people person’ as messages of support have come from around the world to him.

He said: “We have been overwhelmed with the tributes and it shows the good side of social media.

“My mum (Maureen) has had more than 150 different cards and messages and then people have been contacting us to say that they played at Horwich and knew him.

“We have been amazed by all the messages from the other Bolton League Clubs but we think it shows that cricket is a family.

“He was born in Horwich and apart from two years when he was on national service he lived there all his life.

“He was a proud Boltonian and was a big Bolton Wanderers fan and he was proud also to be from Horwich.

“We are expecting a big turnout at the funeral and it only seems right that we should be having a celebration for him at Horwich.

“He was a very sociable person and was a volunteer at Horwich since 1963.”

Ken went to Our Lady of the Rosary and then went to Bolton Tec where he learnt about upholstery.

He was also a carpet fitter working at Cox’s in Bolton and then worked for himself.

Maureen and Ken got married at Horwich Parish Church and they lived on Ramsbottom Road – just across the road from Horwich RMI club.

The family are planning to keep his legacy at the club he was president.

Liam added: “We are going to pay for the Ken Burns Trophy which will be given to the Unsung Hero over the year to acknowledge people who put a lot in for the club.

“People like my dad are what keep grassroots clubs going.”

Ken was the devoted husband of Maureen for 59 years, much-loved dad of Janine and Liam. Father-In-Law to David and Sandra. Brother to Terry and The Late Gerald. Uncle to Angela, Michael and David and a Great Friend to many. Service

Donations in memory of Ken may be sent for Horwich RMI Cricket Club via The Livesey Funeral Service, Church Street, Horwich, BL6 7BR. Tel: 01204 696311.