HE was a timeless football icon, recognised the world over as one of England's 1966 World Cup heroes.

But to former Cumbria County Council chairman and one-time Carlisle Mayor Alan Toole, the football great Jack Charlton was first and foremost a good friend.

Following Jack's death at the age of 85, Alan has paid his own personal tribute, speaking of his 25 year friendship with the hugely popular sportsman.

They were brought together by a shared passion for football and country pursuits - particularly fishing.

"He used to talk about all sorts of things," recalled 82-year-old Alan. "He talked about his football, his career, and about some of the daft things which went on when he was at Leeds [United]. He just used to talk like one of the lads.

"Jack was very down to earth - a joker and a real people's person. I remember one thing he said to me.

"It was: 'A lot of people treat my like I'm a god, but I'm just a miner's son who played the game that I love.' And I replied with: "Yes - but you played the game properly."

As Jack's funeral cortege drove through his home town of Ashington in Northumberland, thousands lined the streets, many weeping as they applauded their town's most famous son.

Alan described how their friendship began in 1996 after they began working together on angling competitions designed for disabled competitors.

The former footballer gave decades of support to the cause, being patron of the Jack Charlton Disabled Anglers' Association.

Alan recalled how during his career in local politics, Jack twice honoured him by attending key events: firstly, at the ceremony when the councillor was made Carlisle Mayor in 2002; and then again four years later when he was made chairman of Cumbria County Council.

Alan said: "When he heard I was being made chairman of the County Council, he said he was delighted for me.

"He told me: 'You'll do it right, Alan.' You're a man of the people.'" Jack - who would refer fondly to Alan as ' bonny lad' - was a guest at the chairman's ceremonial dinner.

Recalling that day, Alan spoke of how after meeting the authority's top councillors and officials, Jack insisted on meeting and shaking hands with the workers who had the job of serving and driving for the dignitaries.

"He spoke to them all, and signed a few autographs," said Alan.

"He was so down to earth."

Jack often visited the former councillor's home in north Carlisle, on one occasion posing for a family photo in front of the family's Christmas tree with Alan's grandson.

Alan recalled another conversation with his friend, who went on to manage Ireland, leading them to the 1988 European Championship and the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

"I told him I hoped he was going for the England job. He looked at me, smiled and said: 'I've thought about it, and I'd love the job but I wouldn't get an interview.'

"I asked why, and he said: 'Because I'm too outspoken.'

"He visited Carlisle United with me now and again and he often rang me for a chat after the match to catch up on things. Jack was just one of the lads.

"But it was a privilege to have known him.

"I was 30 in 1966 when we won the World Cup. He said it was absolutely unbelievable. It was a brilliant day - absolutely brilliant."

Jack's family said they are "overwhelmed” by the support they have been shown. They spoke of Jack as a 'proud Englishman, northerner and honorary Irishman'.

They said: "His achievements in England and Ireland brought him great recognition, but he always had his feet firmly on the ground."

The family said Jack's brother Sir Bobby - also in the 1966 World Cup and one of England's finest ever players - was not well enough to attend the funeral service.