Duncan Edwards fans travel from Manchester to pay tribute to football hero

Manchester United and England star Duncan Edwards, who was from Dudley, died on February 21, 1958 in the Munich air disaster.

By the age of 21 he had gathered a reputation as one of the best footballers in the world and some still say today that he could have been the greatest to have ever lived.

On Saturday, an emotional memorial event in Duncan's honour was held in his home town, attended by 75 Manchester United fans who travelled down to learn more about their hero's upbringing.

They mixed with locals in a day which started at St Francis Church on Laurel Road and ended at the Duncan Edwards statue in Dudley town centre.

Amongst those attending the day were family members Keith Edwards, 79, who was Duncan's first cousin and Laurence Brownhill, 74, nephew of Keith.

Mr Edwards said: "I wouldn't have missed today for the world, it is wonderful to see a coach load of people come from Manchester to see the Black Country and pay tribute to Duncan.

"Duncan was a great lad and he always loved to play football, it is amazing how far that took him.

"I am so proud that his talent is recognised today by this many people who are willing to travel to his home town to learn more about him, it is wonderful to see the love people still have for Duncan - he will clearly never be forgotten."

The day got underway with a screening of 'And Then Came Munich' inside St Francis'.

The film was originally released in 1996 and was put together by Rose Cook, who spoke to the audience emotionally about the impact Duncan Edwards has had on her life.

She said: "For someone who died 11 years before I was born to be so important to me is something I am eternally grateful for.

"Duncan's family have been incredible to me over the years.

"He was a Black Country boy with a world class talent, we lent him to Manchester but he was always one of us and we remain proud of him."

Speaking after the screening, she said: "It is incredible how many people have come down today to learn more about Duncan and I hope that we have made them feel welcome.

"I hope that this is the first of many tours for Manchester United fans or just football fans in general."

Manchester United supporter Brian Mullholland, 67, from Sale, Greater Manchester, had been in contact with Rose to organise bringing the fans down to Dudley for the day and said he 'loved' the Black Country for its people and the gift of Duncan Edwards.

He said: "It is an honour to come to the Black Country again, the people here are brilliant and they gave us Duncan.

"I hope we can really advertise what has been done today as an opportunity for football fans to learn more about one of the best players ever.

"If more groups could visit the area that would be good for the community down here."

Another Manchester United supporter to make the trip was Steve Donoghue, 61, from Salford, who wrote a book entitled Red Fever on the clubs history in 1994.

He said: "Manchester United supporters are so proud of the Busby Babes squad which Duncan was a part of and they are still to this day very highly thought of and respected.

"We came down today because we wanted to pay our respects to a great man and a great player."

A new drama depicting Edwards' childhood in Dudley has been created by filmmaker Marcus Distant.

The Boy Who Had It All was premiered at an intimate screening at Old Trafford recently.