LANTERNS shone through a town's streets as people paid tribute to a football manager who died of cancer.

Around 80 people battled through the wind and the rain and journeyed to Oswaldtwistle Mills on Friday evening to remember Kieran Keigher, the former Mill Hill St Peter's football coach.

The 34-year-old, from Blackburn, died in April 2016 after developing a rare and aggressive skin cancer and just a month after proposing to his partner, Rachel.

Kieran's Angels, a group made of Mr Keigher's friends and relatives who work on behalf of Cancer Research UK, have been holding a series of events in his memory since the former footballer died.

The latest event held in his memory, a 3km walk from Oswaldtwistle Mills to White Ash School, was organised by his former wife, who was helped by around 20 volunteers.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Ms Keigher, who married the former legal adviser from a hospital bed in Royal Blackburn Hospital, said holding events in memory of her husband still feel emotional for her two-and-a-half years after his death.

The 38-year-old from Ewood said: "I still get a bit worked up and emotional at events like these.

"What makes events like today special is the fact we are not only remembering Kieran but also helping a good cause with Cancer Research.

"I'm so grateful for the level of support received to put on an event like this, particularly from friends and family."

The 3km walk, which lasted for around 30 minutes, started at the Colliers Street mills before the group headed onto the Thwaites Road school with their decorated yellow lanterns, which illuminated brightly.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Visitors said they had turned out for the event in support of Ms Keigher and her late husband.

One of her friends Sarah Beck, 23, from Cherry Tree, said: "I came to support Rachel and I think it's just a nice family friendly event that people get in support with. It's a nice atmosphere and it looks like everyone is having a good time."

Ms Keigher, who works as a medical secretary, said she hopes to make the walk an annual tradition which can be held in different parts of East Lancashire.