MOURNERS are being asked to wear Burnley FC shirts to the funeral of Shaun Parker to help celebrate one of the club's most dedicated fans.

Family today described the 37-year-old avid Clarets fan as 'an inspirational' and 'larger than life' character.

Former Clarets players Chris Brass, currently player-manager at York City, and Andy Payton have been invited to the funeral by the family.

As both a football fan and a Lancashire Cricket fan, Shaun is set to be cremated in his Lancashire County Cricket shirt and his Burnley FC shirt along with a Clarets scarf, a Bertie Bee mascot and a picture of Gabby, his beloved guide dog.

Shaun, who was often seen around Padiham with his guide dog, died on Wednesday morning after a short illness.

His brother, Thomas Parker, 38, of Coronation Avenue, Padiham, who lived around the corner from Shaun, said: "We want people to remember Shaun for the lovely, kind-hearted person that he was.

"We don't want Wednesday to be a day filled with sadness, although we know it will be sad we want it to be a celebration of his life which is why we are asking people to wear their Clarets shirts instead of the traditional black attire. Shaun would love this.

"He lived for football and cricket. They were his main passions in life alongside his guide dog, Gabby.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received since Shaun's death."

Paul Smith, Boundary Clarets organiser, said: "I have spoke to Andy Payton and Chris Brass today who have both confirmed they will be at the service, which is a massive tribute to Shaun.

"He knew Andy as a fellow Padiham lad.

"He was a dedicated and loyal supporter and everybody at the club will miss him tremendously."

The Irish League Club in Burnley, where Shaun was a member, will also be decking the room out in Claret and Blue decorations alongside pictures of Shaun enjoying his time at the club.

The family have chosen Burnley's official club song - 500 Miles by the Proclaimers - to be played at the service, along with You'll Never Walk Alone, the Liverpool anthem.

The cortege will leave Shaun's parents' house in St John's Road, Padiham at 10.15am, before travelling past Turf Moor at 10.30am where staff will form a line in tribute to Shaun.

The service is taking place at Burnley Crematorium on Wednesday at 11am.

Relatives have requested family flowers only and for donations to be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Shaun leaves his parents Barbara and Tom, brother Thomas and his partner Tracy, his sister Lorraine and her husband Mark and his four nephews Luke, 10, James, five, Robbie, four, and Jack, three.