TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who dedicated his entire life to helping the community, from police work to nurturing football stars.

Harold Howarth, who lived in both Fearnhead and Winwick, has died aged 86.

He was a well-known figure as the founder of the former Padgate Hall football team.

Warrington Guardian: Harold with his wife Irene in 1955Harold with his wife Irene in 1955

During his time there, he spotted Steve Kindon, kick-starting his football career playing for Burnley in 1968 as well as for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town.

Malcolm Kindon, Steve's brother, also played for Padgate Hall when he was a teenager and said: "It was Harold that gave him his start in football.

"Without him who knows what would have happened."

Harold even called Steve 43 years later to recommend a restaurant to him which Malcolm said was a testament to his kind and thoughtful character. 

He remembered: "Harold ran the football team called Padgate Hall and we used to play at Green Lane School- he founded it and it later became Padgate and Woolston United.

"He was a big Burnley fan but as a policeman he would go to Old Trafford on some of the Manchester United home games.

"He looked after us all."

Warrington Guardian: Harold with his daughter Gillian in about 1972Harold with his daughter Gillian in about 1972

Harold, who has one daughter, worked to promote youth football in his free time and even fundraised to take the team to play in America- one of the highlights of his coaching career.

Outside of football, Harold was the village policeman in Padgate between 1959 and 1969 and then in Winwick from 1969 to 1980.

He received a Long Service and Good Conduct medal for his dedication to the job.

Harold was described as an old-fashioned policeman who, in his head, never really retired and always wanted to know everything which was going on in his community.

Malcolm added: "He used to have various places that he would go to so he knew everything.

"You knew your house would be safe when you were away.

"He was a great man."

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Warrington Guardian: Harold loved dogs and animalsHarold loved dogs and animals

Harold's other passions in life were golf, which he played in Birchwood, and he also loved dogs.

His funeral ceremony will take place at Walton Lea Crematorium on Friday at 3pm and afterwards at The Stag pub.

All are welcome to attend to celebrate Harold's life and the impact he had upon the community as a policeman, coach, and friend.

Instead of flowers, the family are requesting donations to Trees for Life, a charity working to restore Scotland's Caledonian Forest, for a memorial grove.

The donation can be made online or a cheque can be sent to Trees for Life with Harold and Irene Howarth written on the reverse.

A donation will also be made in Harold's name to Carla Lane Animal Rescue Centre in Liverpool as he loved all animals.