THE funeral recently took place of one of Cheshire's most popular characters, Jack Nichols.

Walton Crematorium was packed with representatives of mid Cheshire football, national dance troupes and local dignitaries, who joined friends and family in wishing a fond farewell to Jack who died one week short of his 85th birthday.

Although he spent nearly 40 years working for ICI and later as manager of Winnington Park Recreation Club, Jack is probably best known for his association with football and carnival troupe dancing.

In 1968 the Guardian called Jack 'Mr Football' because of his long association with the local FA.

He started his career at 17 playing for Rudheath Victoria, but an eye injury forced him to retire from active participation.

In 1940 Jack joined the RAF and was stationed at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain where he was mentioned in despatches.

Jack then spent four years in the Far East and became manager of the Burma Eagles football team, which became the only European team to win the Calcutta Shield.

In 1959 Jack became Northwich FA secretary and a representative on the Cheshire County FA.

He was also a member of the Northwich and Runcorn FA Discipline Commission, the Cheshire FA Northern Counties Team Selection Committee and County FA Youth Team Selection Committee. He was a member of the Cheshire FA Cup Referee Appointments Committee, Altrincham FA Appeals Board and Cheshire FA League Sanctions Committee. Jack retained an active interest in football right up to his death and was a lifetime vice president of the Mid Cheshire FA.

In the summer months he spent most weekends, for nearly 40 years, adjudicating at carnival troupe dancing competitions all over the north west.

During the past five years Jack was the devoted carer of his late wife Dorothy, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease until her death in November last year.