Civic funeral date set for Preston's Sir Tom Finney

Sir Tom Finney spent his entire footballing career with Preston North End

A civic funeral will be held for football legend Sir Tom Finney at Preston Minster, it has been announced.

The 91-year-old, who played 76 times for England and spent his whole career with Preston North End, died on Friday.

Preston City Council confirmed the funeral will be held at 13:00 GMT on 27 February. It will then be followed by a private service for his family.

Two books of condolence have been opened in Preston, along with another online, where tributes have been paid.

'Wonderful life'

Councillor Peter Rankin, the leader of Preston City Council, said: "[Sir Tom] is probably the most important Prestonian that has ever lived and we are all deeply saddened at the news of his death.

"A true gentleman and an ambassador, not just for football, but for the city of Preston and indeed England as a whole".

He added: "Whilst the people of Preston are in mourning now, we must give thanks for the wonderful life of Sir Tom Finney and the legacy that he leaves."

Preston North End fans have called for the former National Football Museum in the city to be rededicated to Sir Tom.

A Facebook campaign for the move has attracted more than 10,000 'likes'.

The National Football Museum was housed in the Sir Tom Finney stand at the club's Deepdale ground, until it closed in May 2010 and relocated to Manchester.