Final farewells to hero Trueman

Mr Trueman, who played 67 Tests, died of lung cancer last Saturday aged 75.

The Yorkshire and England cricketer - known as "Fiery Fred" for his fast bowling style - was buried in Bolton Abbey Priory Church graveyard.

Ex-England skipper Ray Illingworth and Former Yorkshire captain Brian Close joined current players for the service.

Hundreds of mourners packed the church to hear tributes and anecdotes about the bowler's life.

Former international umpire and Yorkshire team mate Dickie Bird paid an emotional tribute to his friend.

"He was a genius," he said. "And I use that word very, very sparingly.

"England lost more than a football match on Saturday, it lost a genuine sporting hero"
The Rev John Ward, Rector of Bolton Abbey

"There have not been very many geniuses in sport - Muhammad Ali in boxing, Maradona, Pele and Best in football, Michael Johnson the great American athlete, Bradman, Sobers, Lillee and Trueman. I put him up there."

Close to tears, Mr Bird said he had lost a wonderful friend.

Trueman became the first Test player to reach 300 Test wickets and ended his career with a total of 307 from just 67 Tests.

He was called a "cricketing colossus" by the Rector of Bolton Abbey.

He added: "England lost more than a football match on Saturday, it lost a genuine sporting hero. But the loss to his country, his fans or his friends is as nothing compared to that of his family."

After the service, Brian Close said: "He was one of the greatest fast bowlers ever, as far as I was concerned. He was a great man."

Yorkshire's current first team coach David Byas added: "He epitomised everything that cricket was about. He was a true Yorkshireman. He was Yorkshire through-and-through."

Rare film footage of Mr Trueman was included in a half-hour tribute to the cricketing hero, screened on BBC One in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Thursday night.

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