Dozens of fans have gathered for the funeral of Barrow AFC life president Brian Keen.

Mr Keen, who headed up a consortium of businessmen which saved the Cumbrian club from going bust in 1999, died earlier this month.

About 60 fans lined the street outside the club’s grounds, and led “three cheers for Brian” as his hearse rode by, before his funeral was held at the nearby Barrow Crematorium.

Chris Altree, former mayor of Barrow, said he came to pay respects to someone who had a “great and lasting influence on the club”.

Mr Altree said: “Because of him, we get these exciting trips to Chelsea because he laid the foundations for where the club is today.”

League Two side Barrow reached the third round of the EFL cup, for the first time since 1967-68, and will face Chelsea in September.

“I already told the boss to expect two days of annual leave so I can make it down there,” Mr Altree added.

A memorial book was open for fans to sign at Holker Street, the club’s grounds

Bob Herbert, the former Evening Mail football correspondent, said the club was saved because of Mr Keen’s actions.

“Brian was the man who had the belief that it could be achieved, and Brian did it.

“Not everybody was on his side, but he soon converted them,” Mr Herbert said.

Bob Herbert, who covered Barrow Football for more than 20 years, attended

Colin Steele, from Dalton, who has followed Barrow AFC since the early 70s, said Mr Keen was very well regarded in Barrow.

He said: “If it hadn’t been for what happened when he and others took control, we wouldn’t have the club now.”

Fan Colin Steele said Mr Keen was “very well regarded” in Barrow

Mr Keen had been awarded the honorary role as the club’s life president.

Barrow AFC previously said: “Brian was always a true gentleman who touched the lives of many here at Holker Street and he will certainly be missed by all of us.”