FAMOUS faces from the sporting world were among mourners at the funeral of Lancashire Evening Telegraph deputy sports editor and chief sports writer Peter White.

More than 200 people, including past Rovers' players Ronnie Clayton and Colin Hendry, filled St Wulstan's RC Church, Great Harwood, yesterday for the funeral of Peter, who died last Sunday, aged 51.

Also among the mourners, were Rovers manager Graeme Souness, his assistant Tony Parkes, player David Dunn, chairman Robert Coar, chief executive John Williams, club secretary Tom Finn, and former manager Don Mackay. Representing Burnley FC was chairman Barry Kilby.

From the world of Cricket was the former Australian Test cricketer, Lancashire coach and Rishton pro Peter Sleep as well as former Barbados star Keith Barker .

Newspaper colleagues past and present joined representatives from the sporting organisations -- particularly Rishton Cricket Club -- Peter built up close contact with during his long career with the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to pay their last respects.

All signed a book of condolence at the family's request.

During the service Father Anthony McLaughlin said: "Over the past week we have heard many tributes to Peter, not only those to his family, but also those written in the Press from the people who knew him best.

"Those tributes spoke about the fine qualities Peter had, qualities which gave Peter the fine reputation he had."

Tributes have been paid from across the sporting world, with former manager Kenny Dalglish and former players Alan Shearer, Jason Wilcox and Tim Sherwood all speaking of their high regard for Peter, both as a journalist and as a friend.

Father McLaughlin said that a death as sudden as Peter's "rocks you to the very core." He added: "He was a wonderful relative, friend and colleague.

"Peter was honest, straightforward, fair and loyal. Those attributes were foundations for the respect which Peter so rightfully received."

A single cross, made up of blue and white flowers -- the colours of the football team he worshipped -- adorned his coffin and blue and white ribbons were placed on the hearse.

Following the service cremation was held at Accrington Cemetery. Afterwards many of the congregation joined Peter's wife Val, his brother Paul, and other family members at the Red Rose Suite inside Ewood Park.

Blackburn Rovers players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the televised game against Manchester City tomorrow.

Donations in Peter's memory can be sent to Cancer Research, c/o L Champ Funeral Service, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington, BB5 5DY.