FOOTBALL fans and well-wishers lined the streets to pay their last respects to former England captain Jimmy Armfield.

Armfield, who was honoured as one of the first lay canons at Blackburn Cathedral in 2001, died last month at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer.

He spent his entire playing career with Blackpool and won 43 caps for his country.

Today, supporters stood in tribute and applauded at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road stadium as the funeral cortege passed alongside the pitch.

A private service attended by 200 family and friends was held at Armfield's own St Peter's Church in the South Shore area. Armfield served as a warden and played the organ at the church for many years. Guests included former England team-mates Sir Bobby Charlton, Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter.

Supporters remaining at Bloomfield Road, many of whom had arrived early to lay tributes at Armfield's statue outside the ground, were able to listen to a live audio broadcast of the service.

They heard moving tributes from Armfield's sons John and Duncan, as well as a eulogy from Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor.

Taylor, who worked alongside Armfield at the PFA, spoke of his dear friend's "marvellous life" and "great qualities".

"His was a life well lived but he truly was a man well loved," he added.

Hymns included The Lord's My Shepherd, Jerusalem and Abide with Me while the service ended with I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside and the theme to Match of the Day.

Armfield was born in Denton, Manchester, in 1935 but moved to Blackpool as a child during the Second World War.

He made a record 627 appearances for Blackpool, predominantly as a right-back. He represented England at the 1962 World Cup but lost his place in the team immediately prior to the 1966 tournament due to injury. He remained a member of squad but did not feature as England won the tournament on home soil.

He later managed Bolton and Leeds, leading the latter to a European Cup final, before taking up roles with the Football Association and PFA. He also enjoyed a successful media career for more than 35 years.