THE funeral will take place next Wednesday of one of St Helens’ sporting heroes.

Bill Foulkes, who died last month at the age of 81, was a Manchester United legend and a survivor of the 1958 Munich air disaster which robbed United of eight of his fellow ‘Busby Babes’.

The former Nutgrove man, who earned a living down Lea Green coal pit, was spotted playing for Whiston Boys and St Helens Town and went on to become a towering centre-half who played 688 games for the Reds.

 Among his rewards was a 1968 European Cup winners’ medal.

 He leaves a wife, Theresa, two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren.

A service will be held at St Vincent’s Church, Bowdon, Altrincham at 12.15pm on December 11 followed by a private committal.