A FOOTBALL fun day will honour two late community stalwarts.

Crowds are expected to gather at Prudhoe's Kimberly Park to remember Ian Lowery and George McCreedy with a family-friendly event planned.

Former Blackpool FC youth player and Prudhoe youth worker Ian died suddenly aged 45 in November 2020.

Ian's promising career at the North West club was cut short by injury but he continued to coach youngsters locally.

He was also heavily involved with youth work in Prudhoe at the town's now-defunct East Centre and was highly respected by countless young people - whether it be through his work with Prudhoe Youth charity shop or sending a group to Burkina Faso.

George McCreedy MBE died in August of last year at 76. 

The former councillor was also a major force behind Prudhoe Youth FC, Town Twinning and Prudhoe Youth, and was instrumental in putting together the very first Prudhoe Town Fair and Christmas Lights display.

Football matches will be played on July 23, which will see Ian Lowery's Legends, made up of former teammates of Ian's, take on Ian Lowery's Select, a team Ian used to train.

Recently promoted Prudhoe Youth Club Seniors and Whickham FC will also turn out. Cups will be awarded to winners.

Members of both the Lowery and McCreedy family are expected to play in the matches.

There will be also attractions, including slides, bouncy castles and stalls, to keep other attendees entertained. Live entertainment is planned by Nothern Stars Dance academy, a local singer and the Prudhoe West First School Choir.

A raffle - with prizes including Newcastle United tickets, a signed Newcastle United football and a signed Chelsea shirt - will also be drawn.

Friend of the Lowery family, Wilton Holmes, who has helped organise the event, said local businesses have supported the event.

Funds raised on the day will go to Prudhoe Youth Project, formerly Prudhoe Youth Club, and Grassroots Football.

Previous fundraising has seen football strips donated to local first schools and commemorative benches installed around the town.

Refreshments will also be available throughout the day.