Lifelong AFC Telford fan's final ashes wish

The ashes of a lifelong AFC Telford United fan were put down pitch side by his family in a "moving" ceremony over the weekend.

The family of Derek Craske, who died in January last year aged 79, said the burial of his ashes near the touchline at the New Bucks Head on Saturday were a "fitting tribute to a lifelong fan".

Pam Whitney, Mr Craske's daughter, said it was a great day for all the family to celebrate her father's life.

She said: "It was a brilliant tribute, the club was fantastic and could not have been more helpful.

"We laid some of dad's ashes to rest by the halfway line. I think dad would have looked down and smiled at that. The whole service was very moving. After burying the ashes we had a tour of the stadium and a meal while watching the game.

"Unfortunately Telford lost but apart from that it was perfect.

"After the game the players even gave my mum a signed ball. A great touch which was much appreciated."

Mr Craske moved to Donnington during the Second World War and raised his family in the county.

He leaves behind his wife Jean, four children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lee Carter, AFC Telford United chairman, said the request for fans to be buried pitch side was becoming an increasingly common request, adding they had laid to rest the remains of two other fans in the past seven years.