THE parents of a Burnley schoolboy footballer who died at Turf Moor 20 years ago laid flowers at the ground today in a special ceremony.

Ben Lee died 20 died when he fell through the roof of the Long Side terrace at the ground after trying to retrieve a ball that had become stuck during training.

The 17-year-old, originally from Knutsford in Cheshire, had been an apprentice at the club for a year and was highly rated by Clarets coaches.

His parents, Richard and Carol, were joined by his former coach Harry Wilson and his former team mates John Mullin, Paul Weller, Chris Brass and Andy Lawson.

Richard said: “In a way we look forward to coming here every year but the memories are quite hard to go over.

“It is something we have got used to over a period of time, but it never goes away. It is difficult but we have to keep his memory going.

“Burnley have been extremely helpful for that. We come here every year and they are always excellent with us.

“I remember we were having a family meal the night before he died, and he was saying he had settled in and got used to the club, and was ready to kick on and be the fittest player at the club the next year.

“The players and Harry have been great. They were friends and colleagues of Ben’s but they have really put themselves out to keep the relationship going.”

As well as Richard and Carol, Ben’s sister Katie and her husband Paul also attended.

Harry Wilson said: “I can’t believe it is 20 years ago, it’s frightening. As a player Ben had everything, he was a fantastic lad.”

John Mullin said: “We were all very close as apprentices and as well being team mates we were close friends, it was a great social circle.”