TRIBUTES have been paid to a businessman and football enthusiast who has died aged 93.

Despite his advanced years, Bill Heywood, of Church Street, Colne, was still an active supporter of Colne FC, where club officials even nicknamed him their oldest ballboy.

Bill, the club's president, passed away last week after a short illness.

It was later discovered he had been suffering from cancer.

Teams across the North West Counties Football League fell silent in memory of Bill last weekend, and Colne FC plan to wear black armbands and hold their own tribute at their next home game, against Abbey Hey, on February 16.

Bill leaves a wife, Lily, sons Bill and Richard, and daughter Ann Hall.

He had three grandsons, Anthony, Duncan and Gary Hall, and one granddaughter, Claire Heywood.

Before taking the helm at Colne, during the 1996/97 season, Bill was involved for many years at Bacup Borough FC, latterly as chairman.

A family funeral service will take place at Burnley Crematorium on Thursday.

Daughter Ann Hall said: "After the funeral we will be going back to the football club for a little gathering, because that is where he was happiest."

Bill was also a keen cyclist, and a member of the Cyclists' Touring Club for 77 years.

He was also a talented pianist and could have pursued his passion profess-ionally, but for a childhood cricketing accident which led to one of his fingers being amputated.

Bill was a partner in television and video firm Almaine and Co, also in Church Street, with fellow traders Noel Finucane and Michael Speak.

Football club vice-chairman Dave Blacklock said: "He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

"He was still very much involved in the club and used to have a thing about going for the ball when it went out. We called him our oldest ballboy."

Alan Farnworth, vice-chairman of the North West Counties League, said: "Anyone who met him couldn't fail to be impressed by his seemingly boundless energy and love for the beautiful game.

"Even in his latter years he could still be found helping out on match days, chasing balls and getting involved in all the other jobs that needed doing.

"We shall remember him with admiration, affection, and gratitude, and, above all, with delight.

"He was one of the nice guys in the game."