Crowds of people are expected in Ashington this morning to pay tribute to Jack Charlton as his funeral cortege passes through the town.

The World Cup winner was born and bred in the Northumberland town and people there will have a chance to say farewell before a private family funeral

The cortege is due to pass through Ashington on a 6km (3.7 mile) route between 10:30 and 11:15.

Northumberland County Council is urging people to think about their own and other people's safety with coronavirus social distance measures still in place.

Image source, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Councillor Cath Homer said: "Jack was one of the greatest sportsmen to ever come out of the county and a real local hero, and is rightly held in particular affection in the hearts of the whole community of Ashington.

"It is only fitting that the funeral cortege passes through the town where Jack grew up, and we expect a lot of people will want to come and pay their respects along the route.

"However we would encourage people to remember we are still in the midst of a pandemic and as we've seen from other areas, infection rates can escalate very quickly. So it’s really important that we all continue to follow the rules and stay apart from each other."

Good morning and welcome to our coverage of football legend Jack Charlton's funeral.

Born and bred in Ashington in Northumberland, he was in the England team that won the World Cup at Wembley in 1966, alongside his brother Bobby.

Image source, Getty Images

He also made a record number of appearances for Leeds United and achieved unprecedented success with the Republic of Ireland.

His career also saw him manage Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, and his boyhood club Newcastle.

His funeral cortege will move through his home town from 10:30, before a private service in Newcastle.