Down to earth Jimmy Armfield '˜was both witty and insightful'

At the opening of the new Trinity Hospice shop on Victoria Road West in Cleveleys

Latest updates as tributes continue to pour in for Blackpool FC and England legend Jimmy Armfield

Trinity chief executive David Houston said: “Jim will be very much missed. As our President, he was a regular visitor to the hospice and to our events.

“He would read at our annual Light up a Life service; say grace before dinner at our Fund-raising Ball, and on more than one occasion cut the ribbon to open one of our high street shops.

“Wherever he was, people wanted to shake his hand and he made time for everyone, such was his generosity of spirit.

“He was witty and insightful, and knew many of our staff and volunteers.

“Over the years he and his wife Anne did so many good things for Trinity and for the wider community, it comes as no surprise to see the number of heartfelt tributes being made in the past couple of days.”

Head of fund-raising Linzi Young said: “I know he would be very touched by the donations people have been making to the hospice, and by the idea of Saturday’s match at Bloomfield Road.

“People will choose their own way to remember Jim and celebrate his life, but the fact that the hospice which was so close to his heart will benefit, is a fitting tribute to him.”