TORY councillors for Birstall and Birkenshaw paid tribute to the late soccer star John Charles, who died last weekend.

Charles had made his home in Birkenshaw and become a well known figure in the village.

Plans were afoot to honour the player by dedicating a newly formed garden at the Half Way House junction in his name.

But difficulties with the site were not resolved until the day before he died - and as a result he was never told about the garden.

Kirklees councillor Andrew Palfreeman said today: "For nearly two years we had planned to mark the achievements of our most famous resident by dedicating the small garden to him.

"Delays by British Telecom made it impossible for me to suggest the idea to him despite the support I had received from both our potential sponsor and the local Village Association nearly two years ago."

However the local councillors still want to proceed with the dedication and hope that a statue can be erected in the village in the footballer's memory.

Clr Robert Light said: "Charles was revered in Birkenshaw by everyone who knew who he was and what he did for football.

" It will always be our great regret that he did not know that the village wished to acknowledge him.

"I just hope that we can now honour his memory and recognise that not only was he one of the greatest footballers the world has ever known, but also a truly modest and significant member of our local community."

The funeral service for John Charles will be held at Leeds Parish Church on Monday.