BURNLEY manager Stan Ternent was among the mourners who gathered to pay their final respects to Oswaldtwistle-born Clarets legend George Bray.

Family, friends and a number of former players packed into St Matthew's Church, Burnley, for the funeral of the player described as a "father figure" to younger players yesterday.

Mr Bray was born in Oswaldtwistle in October, 1937, and started his career as a raw 18-year-old with Great Harwood Town. His elder brother was England international Jack Bray.

During his time at Turf Moor, George became an invaluable member of the team and particularly in the post-war years when league football began again in 1946.

He played his final first team game in September 1951 when he was 32.

After his retirement from the pitch, George became A team trainer, then reserve team trainer and finally first team trainer until 1974.

George ended his career as first team kit man, in which he took great pride until he retired in 1992.

His career spanned 55 years and after that he was a regular visitor to Turf Moor as a fan -- only missing games through ill health.

A Burnley FC shirt was draped over the coffin and a signed football rested.

Stan Ternent, former player Brian Flynn and Burnley FC director Bob Blakeborough joined more than 100 people to say an emotional goodbye.

The Rev Peter Hopgood-Strickland conducted the service and paid tribute to the wing half.

He died in Wordsworth House last Wednesday aged 83 leaving his wife Margaret and four children, Christine, Carol, Susan and David.