A MEMORIAL service will be held on the 70th anniversary of the death of a young goalkeeper who helped to bring the Football League title to the North-East.

Jimmy Thorpe died in a diabetic coma in hospital four days after being kicked about the head and body while keeping goal for Sunderland in a match against Chelsea, at Roker Park, in February 1936.

Despite inquiries by football authorities, no action was taken against any players involved in the incident, although it played a part in the tightening up of regulations offering goalkeepers more protection.

Thorpe, aged 22, was believed to be heading for great things, and died after appearing in 52 consecutive games for Sunderland, playing a major role in the club's last league title success at the end of the 1935/36 season.

His replacement, Johnny Mapson, later handed his league championship medal to Thorpe's widow, Elizabeth May.

The streets of his home town of Jarrow, in South Tyneside, were lined for his funeral, and 70 years on, a service remembering, "a sporting gentleman of the town" is to be held.

Sunderland AFC also plans to honour Thorpe by installing a permanent tribute at the Stadium of Light.

The service will be held at Christ Church, Jarrow, on Sunday, February 5, at 3pm.