Ray Evans had bravely battled bowel cancer but was then diagnosed with a inoperable blockage in an artery.

The father-of-four and grandfather-of-seven passed away peacefully in Chorley Hospital, surrounded by his family.

His brother Eric, 77, said Ray was 'one in a million'.

Eric said: "When he played for North End, people would run after him for his autograph and I'd tell him we're going to be late for the pictures or whatever, but he said these people paid his wages and he had all the time in the world for them."

Widower Ray was born in India while his soldier father was serving there, but was raised in Preston and lived in the New Hall Lane area.

As a left-sided forward, he signed a part-time professional contract in May, 1951, and made his first-team debut against Arsenal at Highbury on October 3, 1953, in front of 61,000 fans.

A short time later, he scored twice in North End's first floodlit game against Bolton.

Evans soon found his position to be left-half and was involved more during the 1956/57 season which saw Preston finish third in the top flight of English football.

When new manager Frank O'Farrell strengthened his squad, Evans was left on the sidelines for a while.

And when he regained his place, he broke his leg against Aston Villa and never featured in the first team again.

He was transferred to Bournemouth, along with keeper Mick Lynn, for £4,000, and then went on to play for Morecambe.

After retiring from the game, he set up his own roofing business in Preston.

A keen member of the PNE Former Players' Association, Ray, along with Roy Hatsell, were instrumental in organising the Association's bowling days.

He leaves children Kath, Denise, Ray, and Lisa.

His funeral will take place at St Joseph's Church in Caroline Street at 10.30am on Monday followed by a cremation at Preston Crematorium.