St Helens rugby league stalwart to celebrate 90th birthday in Benidorm

Hector Peters, who was born on April 30, 1934 in Gerards Bridge, is a well-known character around the town.

He began standing on the Knowsley Road terraces in 1944 at the age of 10, making his first Wembley trip to watch Saints in the 1953 Challenge Cup Final versus Huddersfield.

Hector is a co-founder of the Blackbrook Royals Junior Rugby League club, which was originally formed at the Princess Royal pub and has proved to be a hotbed for producing budding professionals over the years.

Hector co-founded Blackbrook Royals (Image: Submitted)

Hector’s family said: “Thanks can go to all the people giving their services and their time free of charge in all weathers, to continue his legacy over the years to make the club what it is today.

“It makes Hector proud and he cannot walk through the town without one or more of those lads shouting his name or shaking his hand.

“Hector could always be found running up and down the touchline at Blackbrook, shouting encouragement to lads of all age groups week after week, match after match.

“Then after the game heʼd be found cleaning out the dressing rooms.

“All this helped him to keep his fitness levels high and must have contributed to him being as fit as he is for his age.”

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Hector has not only supported the Blackbrook teams over the years but has avidly supported all local teams including Pilks, Haresfinch, Bold Miners, Thatto Heath, Haydock and Clock Face, which have taken him all over the country on many a touchline.

Hector is married to wife Helen and has three children, Sylvia, Stephen and Barry, and although he did not play rugby himself, his dedication is reflected through his sons with Steve having played for Saints 186 times between 1979 to 1986, including in the famous 1985 Premiership Trophy final triumph at Elland Road.

His other son Barry meanwhile played for Warrington.

Hector, with wife of 67 years Helen (Image: Submitted)

“Hector is proud of his roots, St Helens has been his life," his family added.

"He’s a family man through and through being happily married to Helen for 67 years and she has had to share him with his second love of rugby league, she might argue his first love!

“There has been some great celebrations over the years and you only have to sit with Hector and he can remember so many and always has a tale to tell. But there is one big celebration looming."

Hector has celebrated many key birthdays in Benidorm (Image: Submitted)

They added: "Hector reaches 90 on April 30 with a giant of a party taking place in Benidorm, a favourite holiday spot of Hector’s where he has celebrated many milestone birthdays in the past!

“There are many people, from near and far, already booked on flights to help him celebrate but this is an extended invitation to all those who would wish to celebrate with him.”

Anyone who wishes to attend can go to the Tikka Beach bar, Benidorm for a noon start on Tuesday, April 30.