LEYLAND'S sporting community is in mourning after the death of Diana Brown -- a well-known fund-raiser and Leyland Warriors devotee.

Known affectionately to some as the Burger Queen, Diana worked tirelessly for her beloved rugby club Leyland Warriors, culminating in her election to chairman in 1999.

She died on Thursday, September 7, after a brave battle against lung cancer. Diana leaves behind husband Paul and her four children -- Francesca, Danielle and their two sons Paul, 16, and Stuart, 13, who both play for the club.

Diana, 41, from Clayton-le-Woods, will be remembered for her dedicated work behind the scenes at the club she loved.

Even when Diana (pictured after she graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in 1993) became too ill to be involved in the day-to-day running of the club, she carried on working for the Warriors by regularly keeping in touch with other committee members by telephone. John Schofield, from Leyland Warriors, said: "Members will remember Diana as a lively lady with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious laugh. "I feel honoured to have met her and be able to count her as a friend, as many others in our club will.

"The club's loss is nothing compared to the loss suffered by her family.

"But, if God is not a Rugby League fan, he soon will be now that he has Diana to put him on the right track.

"I hope that all our players will play with extra pride this season in memory of Diana -- she lived with pride and may she rest in peace."

Her funeral will be held today (Thursday, September 14) at St Bedes RC Church, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, at 10am, and will be attended by family, friends and players of the club.