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TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of popular figure among the town's sporting scene Lenny Lowe aged 78.

Associated with sporting organisations across the town, Lenny worked at Saints as host of the 100 Club at Knowsley Road during the early Super League era, and was also a past chairman at St Helens RUFC.

He was a involved in schools’ rugby league and also football, running the Town Team for a spell.

Several prominent local sportsmen came under his tutelage, such as Chris Arkwright, Richie Eyres, Jason Critchley, Gary Connolly and the footballers Ray Ranson and Tommy O’Neill.

Described as a "superb raconteur", much of his popularity, especially when he retired, stemmed from his ability to organise and host functions which brought in many thousands of pounds for charity and charitable causes, which he did with great expertise for more than 30 years.

Born in Parr, Lenny attended Cowley School and undertook teacher training at Padgate College, before taking up posts at Robins Lane and, later, St Cuthbert's School, where he specialised in humanities, especially geography.

Lenny taught for 33 years before retiring in 1993, but somewhat inevitably, school sport became a huge part of his life.

Leading the tributes on the Saints website, club chairman Eamonn McManus said: “St Helens has lost one its most colourful and entertaining characters.

"Lenny brightened up all of our lives with his humour and his unique personality.

"Although he will be very sadly missed he will be very warmly remembered for the great memories which he provided to so many of us.”

"St Helens has lost one its most colourful and entertaining characters.” Farewell to Lenny Lowe - the club pays tribute https://t.co/41WtXRLPFP #saintsandproud pic.twitter.com/enenfbeYfw

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) July 30, 2018

Ex-Saints player and commentator Ray French, a friend of Lenny's, added: “Mention the name of Lenny Lowe and faces surrounding you would break into huge smiles, such was the impact he made on everyone.

"And certainly on me, as man and boy for more than 65 years! Ever since the days when, on a Saturday afternoon together, we would catch the number four bus from Parr to the Knowsley Road ground to watch the match from the ‘Boys’ Pen’ and complete the day with a bag of chips from Alf’s shop.

“He embraced all he met, welcomed them as friends, and supported them with hard work if needed. Lennie was a part of the fabric at St Helens RFC, not only as a supporter since his schooldays but as an organiser of testimonials for its players and countless fundraisers for the club’s many projects.”

Lenny was also a familiar face at Saints’ Players’ Association Annual dinners and luncheons.

He also came through the ranks at St. Helens RUFC at Moss Lane as a player, where he was a full-back and an expert goal-kicker.

Lenny was chairman of St Helens when the merger with Liverpool RUFC took place in the 1980s and he remained a long-term hard-working volunteer at Moss Lane.

He also played midweek cricket for a spell, retiring at the age of 50.

A talented musician too, Lenny was a stalwart member of the famous Parr Brass band for many years, after joining them at the age of seven. Lenny specialised in wind instruments such as the baritone, trumpet and euphonium. 

Lenny’s close friends included ex-rugby players Kel Coslett, Geoff Pimblett and Jim Mills; teaching and band colleague Bob Burkett and Kenny Cross, a former pupil at Robins Lane. 

He was a devoted husband to Barbara for 46 years and looked after her with great care and compassion before she pre-deceased him in 2015.

Ray French added: “A sad loss to all who knew him but I’m sure that, from ‘on High’, Len will still be urging on his beloved Saints."

Saints say Lenny died aged 78 after a short illness.

Funeral details are to be announced at a later date.