THE final whistle has sounded at the age of 85 for England international footballer Mike Hellawell, whose eminent community deeds - long after his playing days - brought him further friendships through his much appreciated help and support, especially on behalf of dementia sufferers.

Indeed, Mike, frequently travelled to Skipton from his Keighley home almost up to the time of Covid to contribute a worthy shift in endeavour to enhance the quality of life for people thus affected.

And he was forever available to give his time freely on behalf of other charity causes such as his valuable part in an event alongside fellow former football league stars, Lee Duxbury and Roger Eli in support of the Luke Mortimer rehab fund. This particular effort, organised  by Grassington Football Club at Skipton's Venue Sports Bar having realised over £5,000.

A devout worshipper at Keighley's St Anne's Catholic Church, Mike also frequently embraced Skipton's St Stephen's Church and typically supported any charity causes concerning both locations.

After a distinguished career in professional football where he represented his country upsides the illustrious likes of Bobby Moore and Jimmy Greaves, Mike also figured as the last England international footballer to have achieved senior county cricket recognition; he having played for Warwickshire during his heady days with then high-flying Birmingham City.

Following  a distinguished career in football, including also with Queens Park Rangers, Mike later added his flair and flavour to the local game and helped Cross Hills to achieve all the top honours in Craven soccer. And amongst it all he figured prominently for 'Hills' when they won the Silsden six-a-side tournament beating semi-professional opposition en-route. That Silsden event being quite a prestigious event in that early 1970s era. Mike also coached in grassroots football for a considerable while.

Meantime, upsides all his football alacrity, most notably as a flying winger, Mike never neglected his cricketing finesse either as he also shone in Bradford League cricket for almost 20 years as a competent all-rounder.

An immensely popular personality, both on and off the field, including him working as a window cleaner upsides his Keighley rugby league international pal, Terry Hollindrake, in the Skipton locality, Mike's farewell celebration will be at Keighley's St Anne's Catholic Church, on Tuesday, August 8, at 11.30am.