THOUSANDS of veteran Burnley PE teacher Mick Ennis’ former friends, colleagues and students joined his family to bid an emotional farewell yesterday.

Pupils wearing the blue of Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College’s uniform lined the streets as Mr Ennis’ funeral cortege filed slowly past, with many breaking down into tears.

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Earlier, it was standing room only at St John’s Church in Burnley, where his daughter 32-year-old Claire Ennis-McGurk paid tribute to her ‘very fun and caring’ dad.

The 61-year-old worked at the school for 38 years before losing his battle with cancer at Pendleside Hospice.

Former student Nick Palich, who organised a charity football match in Mr Ennis’ honour last month, said: “It was a really lovely service at the church. It was packed out. St John’s is quite a large church and it was standing room only.

“It was fitting and I was glad to see so many people there. It was very moving. His daughter Claire said a few words and spoke really well.

“She came out with a few tales from her memories over the years.”

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Mr Ennis spent almost four decades at St Theodore’s and Blessed Trinity, during which time he guided eight football teams to Lancashire Cup finals, and to one national final.

He also managed cricket teams to three Lancashire Cricket finals and taught England cricketer Jimmy Anderson.

He was also secretary at Burnley Belvedere Cricket Club, where he also played for 20 years.

In September, Mr Ennis’ brother Anthony biked 100 miles in Scotland for Macmillan Cancer Research. And more than 1,200 people watched the charity football match, which saw the Vintage Clarets take on three St Theodore’s Old Boys sides who learned their craft under Mr Ennis.

Nick said more events in aid of Pendleside Hospice were planned in the future in order to create a lasting legacy.

He said: “We had some brief discussions but we wanted to let the dust settle.

“With Mick passing away, we wanted to be respectful, but we have got plans for the not-so-distant future in Mick’s name to keep his legacy going. We would love to raise more money for the hospice.”

Born in Burnley to parents Eileen and Brian, Mr Ennis was the oldest of eight siblings.

He studied at St John’s and St Theodore’s schools before embarking on a teaching career.

He is survived by his wif Elaine, daughter Claire, granddaughter Helena, his mum Eileen, five brothers, and two sisters.