A LASTING reminder of Jack Walker's love for the people of Blackburn has been unveiled close to Ewood Park.

The new facility for the physically disabled, at Asbourne Healthcare-owned Birch Hall Care Centre in Darwen, was the dream of general manager Gill Entwistle, who wrote to Mr Walker earlier this year asked him if he would open it.

Club manager Graeme Souness and player Matt Jansen stepped in following his death to unveil a plaque at the centre, which has been named The Jack Walker Young Disabled Unit.

The purpose-built facility caters for 19 people aged 18 to 65. Regional manager Jane Worsley said: "Jack Walker was a man who cared greatly about the local community. When we approached him he wasn't in the best health but arranged for Graeme Souness to open it on his behalf.

"We felt we could offer a service that didn't exist and we could meet those needs."

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Jack Bury, added: "Naming the unit after Mr Walker is another way of recognising the great things this man did."

Graeme Souness congratulated the staff for their success in establishing the facility.

He added: "Gill and all her colleagues deserve a great deal of credit. I know that Jack was delighted to have the unit named after him. Like many others I wish it was him here today pulling the cord. It is an honour for Matt and myself to be here in his absence."

Residents Christine Lucas and Michael Kaminski thanked Blackburn Rovers for their support during the event. Picture: ROVERS fan Christine Lucas was one of the first to greet Ewood boss Graeme Souness to the opening of the Jack Walker Young Disabled Unit in memory of the former Blackburn boss at Birch Hall Care Centre, Darwen.