A man who helped shape local football in Burnley has been honoured with two trophies in his name.

The Burnley Sunday League and the Warburton Youth League have donated trophies which will be awarded each year in memory of Ray Cooper -- who sadly passed away earlier this year.

It is the first time either league has taken such steps but underlines the influence Ray had on football in the borough. John Pilling, chairman of the Burnley Sunday League and vice chairman of the Warburton Youth League, said Ray's input would be sadly missed.

He said: "We decided within weeks that this is what we wanted to do. Obviously we waited a while before we approached his family but they are delighted Ray will be remembered in this way. As far as I know, this is the first time we have ever done such a thing."

Ray, alongside John Pilling and Ray Ryland, was a founder member of the Warburton Youth League and was the league's president up until his death.

He joined the Burnley Sunday League when it was in 'dire straits' a decade ago and served as chairman and vice chairman.

He was also vice chairman of the Burnley and District League.

John added: "With regard to the junior league, Ray was probably the driving behind the three of us. You could say he shaped junior football in this town.

"He has only been with the senior league for the past decade but he joined when we were in dire straits and helped us turn things around."

But it was his love of refereeing that Ray will be most remembered for.

Ray had an association with the Burnley Referees' Society going back to 1958 and between 1985-94 was the society's chairman. He also officiated in the Lancashire Amateur League and West Lancashire League.

He went on to become a Football League linesman and ranks the 1976-77 League Cup semi final between Bolton and Everton as his most memorable moment. However it was grass roots football that was his real love.

John added: "Ray loved to train up the young referees and see them progress in the game. Out of everything he did, I think that was what gave him the most satisfaction."

In 1990, Ray was presented with the Order of Merit by the Referees' Association and in 1993 earned the Wilkinson Sword Award for services to sport. He was chairman of the Lancashire Referee Association between 1999-2001 and was also the LFA's councillor for North East Lancashire.

The Ray Cooper Trophies will be awarded at each league's AGM by his widow Celia. The Warburton Youth League will present the trophy to a team or individual who has been outstanding throughout the season. The Burnley Sunday League will present the trophy to the team of the season.