PRESIDENT of Padiham Football Club, Tommy Helm, has died, aged 86.

The Second World War veteran, who watched his side play the previous on Tuesday night, died suddenly the following day.

Padiham-born and bred, Tommy, of Shakespeare Street, had a lifelong association with football in the town, including a triple appearance at Turf Moor with St Matthew's Football Club in Sunday League finals during the 1930s. He had been president at Padiham FC since 1990 but still worked the turnstiles at the Arbories ground.

Club secretary, Alan Smith, said Tommy's death was a great loss. He added: "Everybody at the club was shocked when they heard as Tommy had been with us the night before.

"He was a big part of this club and will be missed by a lot of people. He was a true gentleman."

A minute's silence will be held in Tommy's memory before tomorrow's home game and his funeral will be at Burnley Crematorium at noon on Wednesday.