THE final wish of a football fan who left more than £300,000 to his favourite non-league football club was carried out today (Friday).

When he died, Colin Rowell, left most of his estate – including the proceeds from the sale of his bungalow - to Bishop Auckland Football Club and asked that his ashes be scattered at the ground.

At a special ceremony, attended by club chairman, Richard Tremewan, Mr Rowell’s partner, Nora Robson, and friends, Peter Holliday and Michelle Hogg, Mr Rowell’s ashes were spread on the penalty spot facing the home stand.

Mr Rowell, who was 79 when he died in January and left no living relatives, had followed The Bishops for more than 70 years and asked that the money from his estate go towards improving the club’s Heritage Park ground.

Officials are already planning a suitable dedication to their biggest fan, who lived in the town, although no firm decisions have yet been made.

Chairman of the Northern League Division One club, Richard Tremewan, said: “When we were asked by the executors of Colin’s will if his ashes could be scattered on the penalty spot we said yes straight away. It really is the least we could do for such a dedicated fan.

“As for the future, in due course there will be a permanent recognition of his fabulous contribution.”

Mrs Robson said: “Colin was absolutely dedicated to sport. He was always talking about the latest match result and he tried to attend as many as he could.”

Peter Holliday, a friend of Mr Rowell, said: “It was a fitting tribute to Colin. He was a member of the club all of his life and it means a lot that his ashes are scattered here.”

He added: “He was a gentleman in every respect, a lovely lad.”

Friend Michelle Hogg added: “He was a gentleman. He never said an ill word about anyone. He always had a smile on his face. He was perfect in every way.”

Club director, Terry Jackson said: “This magnificent gesture gives us the opportunity to do some of the things around the ground we would like to do – as opposed to what we can afford. It's up to us to honour Colin's memory by making sure every penny is spent wisely.”