THE happiest day of Craig Newton's life was tinged with sadness.

The son of Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Everton and England star Keith Newton married Shawnee Allum yesterday at the same church where his father's funeral was held just two months ago.

The talented defender - once described by Sir Alf Ramsey as the best left-back in the world - died in June, aged 56, after a long battle against cancer.

More than 250 mourners, including members of the Clarets and Rovers sides of which he was part, packed into St Peter's Church, Salesbury, to pay their last respects to the man who united the bitter rivals of Blackburn and Burnley in admiration of his footballing ability.

Many of them returned to the church yesterday to celebrate Craig and Shawnee's wedding.

Barbara Newton, Keith's widow, said: "This was a wonderfully happy occasion, but of course it was tinged with sadness.

"Craig was going to postpone the wedding for a few months after his dad died, but in the end he decided to go ahead.

"After all, even if the wedding was in three months' time we would all still have the feeling that somebody was missing."

Blackburn Rovers legends Ronnie Clayton and Mike Harrison were expected to join the family's celebrations, just as they helped them to grieve in June.

And the Rev John Hartley, who paid a glowing tribute to Keith Newton at his funeral, was to conduct the wedding ceremony.

A reception was held at the Shireburn Arms Hotel, Hurst Green.

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