WARRINGTON-RAISED former Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence has died aged 77.

Lawrence, who was born in Ayrshire but moved to Warrington with his family as a child, was legendary manager Bill Shankly’s first-choice keeper at Anfield during the 1960s and he won two First Division titles and an FA Cup with the club.

Before that, however, he honed his talents playing for Stockton Heath Albion, now known as Warrington Town.

Hall of Heroes: Tommy Lawrence

Ron Schofield, President of the Warrington Referee's Academy, recalled encounters he has had with Lawrence over the years.

"I had the pleasure of speaking to him several times in Warrington several times," he said.

"He was very approachable and a legend of the great Liverpool team of the sixties winning the FA Cup for the first time in 1965. I was there to witness it!

"A very underrated goalkeeper whose presence we would liked to have seen in today’s team!"

The former Culcheth Secondary School pupil and Rylands wire factory worker was signed by Liverpool aged 17 and went on to make 390 appearances for the club.

Lawrence also won three caps for Scotland but returned to Rylands as a quality controller after his playing career ended.

He was affectionately known as "The Flying Pig" for his ability to leap around the penalty box despite weighing over 14 stone.