A CHARITY near Lymm has been chosen to benefit from fundraising at the funeral of Sir Bobby Charlton.

The former England and Manchester United star will be laid to rest today after a service at Manchester Cathedral.

He died last month, aged 86, after an accidental fall at a nursing home where he was receiving treatment for dementia.

Sir Bobby's widow Lady Norma and her family have asked for charity donations in lieu of flowers.

One of those donations will be to The Children's Adventure Farm Trust in Millington near Lymm.

He was president of the charity, which provides holidays and days out for children from across the north west, for two decades and would regularly visit.

A spokesman for the charity said: "We're incredibly moved to hear that Lady Norma and her family have chosen to request charity donations in lieu of flowers for Sir Bobby's funeral, and that CAFT has been named as one of the good causes who will benefit.

Warrington Guardian: Sir Bobby with Noddy Holder at a CAFT ball

"Sir Bobby always did all he could to raise funds for our charity, he was always so committed to helping us to provide opportunities for children from our region. It's wonderful that he's able to continue to do this even now, and we really can't thank Lady Norma and her family for thinking of us at this sad time.

"It's lovely to see that donations have started to arrive, and we've decided that all monies raised will help us to bring festive magic into the lives of children whose lives are impacted by illness, disability and social disadvantage.

"We are certain that Sir Bobby would be so pleased to know that many wonderful children will be given special Christmas memories thanks to these donations."