Bolton says goodbye to a sporting idol

Nat Lofthouse brought Bolton to a standstill again yesterday as thousands turned out to pay their last respects to the town's greatest footballer.

The funeral of "the Lion of Vienna" took place at Bolton Parish Church in the town centre and was attended by 500 invited guests and members of the public, as thousands more listened outside.

Lofthouse, a centre-forward who scored 255 goals in 452 league appearances for Bolton and 30 in 33 games for England, died on 15 January, aged 85.