TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of chairman of Wallasey Amateur Boxing Club Maxie Roy.

Mr Roy, who was also the club's head coach and competition secretary, died peacefully in hospital with his family at his bedside on October 14, aged 86.

His funeral service takes place this Friday, October 30, at St Nicholas Church in Bayswater Road, Wallasey.

Club secretary Terry Finlay said: "Max enjoyed success at all the clubs he coached and treated everyone the same whether a raw novice or a champion, whoever was boxing next received his undivided attention.

"In recognition of his services to the sport Max received various awards notably ABA coach of the year, Schools National Gold Badge of Honour, the Desi Rice Trophy and Wirral award for boxing and citizenship.

"Max was a very proud and private man with a unique sense of humour, an inspiration to everyone who touched his life, highly-respected, a true legend and a complete gentleman who always shunned the limelight and put others first.

"He was someone who always left you feeling good about yourself.

"A sad loss to amateur boxing who is sorely missed - but his legacy and the memories he has left will live on for ever."

His funeral on Friday starts with a service at St Nicholas Church in Bayswater Road at 11.30am and continues at Landican Cemetery at 12.30pm and afterwards at The 5 Bars in Seacombe, everyone is welcome