FAMILY and friends gathered to pay tribute to one of Bradford Park Avenue's most recognisable lifelong fans at his funeral in Eccleshill today.

Crowds, including representatives from the club, assembled outside St Luke's Church prior to the service for Ray Whittingham, 75, who had followed the team since the 1940s.

He died in hospital on July 20, after suffering with problems from a lung condition.

Born in Maudsley Street in Barkerend, Mr Whittingham enjoyed a distinguished career in Bradford throughout his life, firstly in the wool trade for Joseph Woods, before working for Grattan until his retirement aged 67.

He was also a keen amateur actor, founding The New Community Arts Academy in Bradford and acting as honorary treasurer up to his death, also performing as a member of Idle and Thackley Amateurs.

He lived in Weavers Croft, Thackley, with his son, Russell, 46, who is now artistic director of the theatre company started by his father.

Describing his dad's love of Park Avenue, he said: "He's been going ever since he was a small boy, his hero was Len Shackleton in the early 1940s, through to Kevin Hector in the 1960s.

"Kevin Hector actually signed a shirt for him the day he died, as he was in Bradford to celebrate the 50th anniversary of him scoring 44 goals for the club in the 1965/66 season.

"Originally we were going to get dad out of hospital for the game as he really wanted to go and be behind the goal, but they did a procedure that day and it was impossible.

"I remember going on his shoulders when I was a small boy, I'm an avid fan because of the love of the club that he passed down."

The second eldest of seven siblings, Mr Whittingham had three sons - Russell, Jeremy, and Christian - and six grandchildren.

"He was a lovely man, there were so many people who knew him from different strands of life," said Russell.

"He was selfless, calm, organised, and dearly loved his grandchildren.

"He was an unsung hero who never courted plaudits of any kind.

"He really was the head of the family."

On its website, a spokesman for Bradford Park Avenue said: "The club is extremely saddened to announce the death of one of its lifelong supporters, Ray Whittingham.

"Born into a strong Avenue family in the 40s, Ray continued the trend by conscripting his children and their children to the club.

"One of his sons, Russ, is well known by many fans, as was his father.

"Len Shackleton, Jock Buchanon and Kevin Hector were just a few of his heroes, and in the case of Jock, he was fortunate to meet him and some other former players later in life at the annual ex-Bradford Players Association dinners.

"He was variously secretary to Sunday football teams he helped found. Many young players respected and liked him.

"Ray was a humorous, sometimes shy, selfless man, and will be greatly missed by all."