SIR Tom Finney paid tribute to his wife Elsie who died last week after a four year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Lady Finney, 81, died on Friday at a private nursing home with her husband by her side.

She leaves two children Brian and Barbara and four grandchildren.

Football legend Sir Tom, 82, said: "I will remember all the wonderful holidays and days out we used to spend together.

"They were such happy times. I have always been so proud of her, both as a wife and a mother, and I love her so much. sShe was a fantastic woman and a fantastic mother.

"I have had so many calls from people, which has been a great comfort.

"It was difficult to see if Elsie was getting worse because she could not talk and she could not move in the end.

"But I would go and sit with her each day and hold her hand."

The couple would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary next year.

Chairman of Preston North End, Derek Shaw, said: "Everyone connected with Preston North End was saddened to hear of Lady Elsie's passing.

"Sir Tom and all the Finney family are in our thoughts and we give them our best at this sad time."

North End will hold a minute's silence before Saturday's home game with Derby County as a mark of respect to her memory.

A funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Church, Brook Street, Preston, on Friday, at 1pm, followed by cremation at Preston Crematorium. Family flowers only have been requested but donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society.