WORLD Cup-winning footballer Roger Hunt has been made a patron of Culture Warrington.

The 79-year-old, from Glazebury, has been named the latest patron of the trust that manages the Parr Hall, the Pyramid Arts Centre and Warrington Museum.

Affectionately known as ‘Sir’ Roger, Hunt was a part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning side and also made 492 appearances for Liverpool FC – scoring 286 goals.

In 2016, he nominated Culture Warrington for a £1,966 grant from the Football Association to mark 50 years since the 1966 win.

Mr Hunt, who was granted the freedom of the town last year, said: “I was honoured and privileged to be asked to be a patron for the Culture Warrington Charitable Trust.

“I’ve admired the work of the charity for a number of years and nominated them to receive a granted from the Football Association last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1966 World Cup win.

“I was pleased to see the donation used to fund a project that helped explore issues which young people face in Warrington today.

“I now look forward to supporting the fantastic work they carry out to make arts, culture and heritage accessible to the whole community.”

Roger, who was awarded an MBE in 2000, becomes Culture Warrington’s second patron – joining international pianist Stephen Hough.

Culture Warrington chairman Maureen Banner added: “We are delighted to have appointed another patron to the charity.

“Roger is really supportive of the work we do to improve access to culture and heritage for people across the borough and we are looking forward to working more closely with him in the future.”