TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated Bury sportsman who died this month, aged 78.

John Law joined Bolton Road Methodists Sports Club in 1957 and was a key figure in the battle to save the club, and the eventual formation of Elton Vale Sports Club.

He spent a total of 61 years with the club in its two different forms, firstly as a player, and later as an official.

Within a few years of joining the club, he had established himself as captain of both the cricket and football teams, an early indication of his popularity and leadership qualities.

He played his final cricket match for the club in December 1992, and later held the roles of chairman and president of the club before retiring office and retaining his role as a trustee.

A dedicated sportsman, Mr Law rarely discussed his working life as a leading construction engineer. He began his working life at the now defunct Joseph Webb and Sons Ltd Bury, before transferring to Robert Watson's of Bolton.

He quickly climbed the ranks and worked on several important projects throughout the UK, including the Barrow shipyard and the new Wembley Stadium.

However, he always maintained that his greatest achievement was helping to win the battle to save Bolton Road Sports Club from extinction.

The sports club's saga began in the late 1980s when its landlords, Bolton Road Methodist Church, announced plans to sell off the land for housing to pay for a new church.

Club trustees, including Mr Law, spent more than £80,000 in the courts and at public inquiries fighting for survival before an agreement was reached for developers Wainhomes to create the new headquarters for the club.

The club bade farewell to their home of 78 years in Bolton Road, and moved into a new facility in Elton Vale Road in 2000.

Mr Law died in Bealey Community Hospital, in Radcliffe, on Tuesday, September 11, surrounding by family members.

His funeral took place at Christ Church Walmersley on Monday.

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Barbara, their two daughters, Catherine and Deborah, and grandchildren, Megan and George.