VIDEO: Hundreds turn out to say goodbye to Tommy Sale MBE

Leythers lined the streets outside Leigh Parish Church as the Leigh legend's coffin, adorned with flowers spelling out LRLFC and his club heritage number 460, was carried into the church.

The Leigh Centurions player, coach and president- who devoted more than 80 years to his beloved club- was led in to music 'Pie Jesu' sung by Sarah Brightman, as the current Leigh Centurions team lined the church entrance in a guard of honour to their hero.

The congregation was welcomed by Vicar of St Peter's in Westleigh Rev Judith Cooper, a fitting tribute to Tommy, who was a headteacher at St Peter's for many years.

Leading the eulogies MP for Leigh Andy Burnham said he spoke for 'every man, woman and child' when he said that Tommy was 'quite simply the best of us'.

He added: "I first met Tommy 15 years ago.

"I think it was the teacher in him but he always liked to give me some guidance.

"He devoted his life to Leigh, he was the greatest Leyther of all.

"A man of standards, dignity, discipline but with a care of people."

A statement once spoken by Tommy was read out by Andy Burnham. It said: "The town of Leigh does not need to thank me, it is I that should be thanking them- St Peter's, Leigh Centurions and my family for the wonderful life they have given me".

Leader of the Council Lord Peter Smith was the second to pay tribute to Tommy saying it was a 'priviledge to know him'.

Hymns such as I vow to Thee, My Country, Abide by Me and How Great Thou Art were sang in the church, which was filled to its capacity, with many standing at the back also to pay their respects.

Mike Latham, Director of Leigh Centurions said 'Mr Sale'- as he was known- was the 'most influential person in the history of Leigh Rugby Club'.

He added: "That is quite a statement for a club founded in 1878.

"Everyone in Leigh seemed to know Tommy Sale and he knew them.

"Leigh Rugby League will never be the same without him."

Family eulogies were read by Canon Tony Butterworth on behalf of Ronnie and Tommy's grandson read words from his daughter Jean.

Ronnie said: "Watching Leigh Centurions will never quite be the same for me.

"I'll never hear the words 'We need another try before half time Ronnie' or 'why do they keep going on the blind side Ronnie?'.

"I love my dad more than words can say and my heart is bursting with pride.

"Life will never be the same without him."

Many touching tributes were paid by family members, including Tommy's grandson Stefan Sale who read a poem and his great-grandaughter Skye Garnett who said: "He was always know to people as Mr Sale but we called him Tommy T.

"He is now a shining star up in the sky."

The congregation left the church to 'March of the Gladiators' by Julius Finch to join hundreds of residents who lined the streets and joined in applause and chants of 'Oh Leigh, Oh Leigh, Oh Leigh' as the funeral cars moved off to a private crematorium at Howe Bridge.

Resident Dave Churchill, 60, of Chestnut drive in Leigh said: "Everybody knew him and respected him.

"I lived 200 yards away from Mr Sale and that's what everyone called him, no-one called him Tommy apart from his family."

Stuart Lowe, 55, of Bolton Close in Lowton said: "He has just got so much respect from all the town.

"He was a true gentleman and he deserves this and more and it is just a fantastic send off for him."

Kate Hollinshead, 52, from Atherleigh said: "I met him at Etherstone Day Centre, he was in the care home with my dad.

"He was a Leigh legend- a truly lovely leyther".

Speaking after the service Alex Murphy, whose appointment as Leigh coach was noted as one of Tommy's 'proudest moments' said: "It's absolutely outstanding.

"The turnout is incredible for such a wonderful man.

"I will say it for Tommy- thank you."