Tributes have been paid to former Workington Town player Benny Eve after he died this week.

Mr Eve, who played for Town between 1955 and 1970, died at his home in Maryport on Monday, aged 80.

The loose forward made 169 first-team appearances, and six as a substitute, for Town, scoring 34 tries.

In the 1958/59 season, Mr Eve played in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley against Wigan, which Workington lost 13-9.

He also played in the 20-3 Championship final defeat against Hull.

His son Tony led the tributes to Mr Eve. He said: “If you look at the volume of people we are expecting at the funeral and the amount of cards, that is proof in the pudding that he was well liked and never had a cross word with anyone.

“He was an absolute gentleman and a big family man.

Bert Eden, who played for Town as a hooker between 1951 and 1963, said: “He was really good at, what we used to call, being a clean-up player.

“When there was trouble, he was always there. Mr Reliable is what we would call him.

“Our big thing was teamwork and team spirit. Everybody played for each other.

“He could fill in for anybody. He didn’t need telling. Benny was the one who filled in and it didn’t matter which position, he just filled in.

“He was a really nice lad.”

Dave Bowden, former Town chairman, added: “He was incredibly loyal to Town and the stats illustrate that devotion to the club.”

Mr Eve was born in Maryport and lived in the town his whole life.

He attended Netherton Infant School and Cockermouth Grammar School.

He worked as a painter and decorator.

He played rugby union at school in Cockermouth and for Ellenfoot.

Mr Eve also played twice for Cumberland.

His favourite hobby was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Joan, son Tony and daughter Julie, grandchildren Leanne, Hayley and Sophie and great-grandchildren Malachy, Charley and Faith Eve.

His funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church in Maryport at 1.30pm on Monday, followed by cremation at Distington Hall Crematorium.

Meanwhile, another former Town player, Les Bosward, died on Saturday, aged 82.

He made three appearances for Town as a forward between 1955 and 1957.

His funeral will be held at Carlisle Crematorium today at 12.20pm.