Football to bid farewell to legend Bobby Charlton

Football will pay tribute to one of its biggest stars today as the game bids farewell to Bobby Charlton.

Fans and members of the public have been invited to play their part in a celebration of the World Cup-winner's life and glittering career before a private funeral service at Manchester Cathedral.

Thousands are expected to line the streets as the funeral cortege arrives at Old Trafford, where he is commemorated along with former team-mates Denis Law and George Best in the "United Trinity" statue, from Chester Road at around 1.30pm.

The cortege will pass through a guard of honour comprising members of the club's Under-18 and Under-21 squads and the statue before setting off for the cathedral via the A56, Trinity Way, Chapel Street and Victoria Bridge.

Around 1,000 invited guests, including Alex Ferguson, members of the club's 1968 European Cup-winning team, players from the current first-team squad and leading sporting figures, are expected to attend the service, which is scheduled to start at 2pm and will be led by Canon Nigel Ashworth.

The ceremony, which will not be filmed or broadcast, will include eulogies and tributes from former United chief executive David Gill, former Manchester United Foundation chief executive John Shiels and a personal tribute from Charlton's family.

Hymns will include Abide With Me, which is traditionally sung before the FA Cup final, Jerusalem and a rendition of How Great Thou Art by opera singer Russell Watson.

A United statement read: "It is expected that up to 1,000 guests will attend the cathedral to pay their respects to Sir Bobby and celebrate his incredible life as a husband, father, grandfather and, of course, as one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced.

"The Charlton