Bilston Town says goodbye to man who helped them in time of need

Bilston Town FC chairman Graham Hodson explained: "This was the least we could do in memory of a fine man who was good for the club and good for the town."

The silence is one of a number of tributes being carried out across Wolverhampton in honour of one of its most loved sons.

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Flags have been flying at half mast at the Civic Centre and the University of Wolverhampton's main entrance at the former George Hotel in Wulfruna Street.

Lord Bilston, the former Labour MP Dennis Turner who represented Wolverhampton South East from 1987 to 2005 before being made a peer, played a crucial role in helping Bilston Town recover after it went out of business in 2005.

Club vice chairman Denise Frankham said: "We would not be doing what we are doing now if it was not for Dennis and his brother Bert. They have both been a massive help to us."

The club's players wore black arm bands and were joined in the centre circle by their opponents Dudley Town as both teams and the match officials stood with heads bowed during the minute's silence that was impeccably observed by the crowd before the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division clash last night.

Lee Onions, who shares the job of Bilston Town manager with Danny Mason, said: "Dennis was a bubbly person who always had time for everyone and was known by everybody at the club. Six or seven years ago we were playing on a park's pitch and having to put the nets up ourselves.

"The final match of last season we had 750 people in our ground watching us win promotion to the Premier Division. That was down to the support we got from him."

Mr Hodson added: "Dennis was instrumental in getting a businessman to help the club reform in 2007. He came down to watch us play as often as he could with all his other commitments.

He was a big character who became a peer of the realm but never had any airs or graces. He was a great supporter and will be sadly missed."