A MEMORIAL night is to be held in honour of a local sporting stalwart.

Ken Charles, 81, died at Nightingale House in April after a long battle with cancer.

Originally from Penycae, Mr Charles lived in Hightown and was well known on the Wrexham sporting scene as he umpired for many years at Bersham Cricket Club.

He was also the manager of Smithfield football club for a number of years before moving on to the Llangollen youth team and enjoyed success with both teams, winning various cups and leagues.

A soul night has now been organised in his honour with help from his nephew Denzil Pemberton, of Garden Village.

Mr Pemberton said: “Ken had numerous friends and he was well known for his sense of humour.

“Ken was very popular, a bit of a character and very active in the community.

“At his funeral there were loads of people there that I didn’t recognise, which showed you how well liked he was.

“He lived in Wrexham throughout his life and worked in various jobs at different factories.”

His family is hoping to sell at least 250 tickets for the event at Wrexham Memorial Hall on December 10.

More than 100 tickets have been sold so far.

Mr Charles is survived by his wife Betty, two children Denise and Melanie, and four grandchildren, Mark, Emma, Ryan and Osian.

His daughter Denise praised the “amazing care” Mr Charles received at Nightingale House and the Christie Hospital in Manchester

She added: “There will be a raffle on the night, that we are hoping will raise even more money.

“It’s being part sponsored by off the cuff menswear in Wrexham which has donated £200 worth of prizes, plus other local businesess, including Voodoo Moon, Richard Hughes Jewellers, Inspire Hair and Beauty in Gwersyllt, Set the Bar and Flowers in the Window.

“Local businesses have been so supportive.

“We want to raise as much as we can for an amazing cause.”