Well-wishers expected to line the streets as Jack Charlton's funeral cortege passes through his childhood home town of Ashington

It is planned to take place between 10.30am and 11.15am on Tuesday, July 21.

Northumberland County Council is working with the Charlton family and Northumbria Police to ensure the journey through the town passes through as smoothly and safely as possible.

With large numbers of people expected to line the streets to pay their respects, the council is reminding everyone to think carefully about their own and others’ health due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Cath Homer said: “Jack was one of the greatest sportsmen to ever come out of the county and a real local hero, and is rightly held in particular affection in the hearts of the whole community of Ashington.

“It is only fitting that the funeral cortege passes through the town where Jack grew up, and we expect a lot of people will want to come and pay their respects along the route.

“However we would encourage people to remember we are still in the midst of a pandemic and as we've seen from other areas, infection rates can escalate very quickly. So it’s really important that we all continue to follow the rules and stay apart from each other.”

Anyone planning to come and watch the cortege pass through the town must remember to try and maintain a two-metre social distance from people outside their household, and wash or sanitise their hands regularly. Face coverings should also be worn.

Cllr Homer added: “It is going to be very busy in Ashington on Tuesday morning so people need to plan ahead - if they can walk or cycle they should, or use public transport. It’s also worth remembering it’s a six kilometre route through Ashington, and we ask members of the public to use the whole route rather than congregate to avoid crowded areas if at all possible.”

People are reminded that it is vital to stay at home if they have Covid-19 symptoms to reduce the risk of infecting anyone else and to get tested.

The World Cup winner and former Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Ireland manager passed away on July 10, aged 85.

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