Tributes have been paid to a former rugby league great and a community fundraiser who has died at the age of 69.

Les Gorley was a cornerstone of the Workington Town pack with his younger brother Peter in the 1970s and the siblings played alongside each other in the club’s Lancashire Cup triumph in 1977.

Supporters have been saddened by his death, but have celebrated the impact he had on life in west Cumbria - on and off the pitch.

Workington chairman Les Smallwood said: “Another Workington Town great has left the field.

"Only a select number of Town players are in the Workington Town Hall of Fame and Les is part of that group of Town legends.

"He was a giant on the pitch and a gentleman off it.

"The outpouring of respect and love for the man since his passing was announced is testament to his reputation and standing in our community.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends and everyone involved with Town will remember Les with affection and pride that he pulled on the blue and white.”

His performances at Derwent Park earned him a move to Widnes where the strong-running second-rower enjoyed two Challenge Cup final wins at Wembley Stadium.

He returned to West Cumbria and was reunited with his brother Peter playing for Whitehaven for a swansong.

In a tribute posted on their Facebook page, Whitehaven RL’s Vice Presidents club said: “Sad news tonight that former Workington, Widnes and Whitehaven forward Les Gorley has passed away.

"A big, mobile second-rower with excellent ball-handling skills, he was a pleasure to watch.

“Rest in peace Les and condolences to your family and friends.”

Apart from domestic honours, Mr Gorley earned five Great Britain caps, the last one against the 1982 Invincible Kangaroos, and played twice for England.

He was also fiercely proud to represent his county of birth Cumbria 17 times, helping them to win back-to-back County Championships between 1980 and 82.

In a long career Les scored 83 tries in 439 appearances.

Mr Gorley was proud to be from Great Broughton and was part of the original Browton 7 crew, alongside brothers Peter and Mitch, which raised more than £75,000 for village causes over 30 years.

Mally Martin was also part of the crew and called Mr Gorley a friend for nearly 60 years.

He said: "For all of us it has been a big shock.

"He was a stalwart for the Browton 7.

"We formed in 1990 and he missed just the last couple of years really.

“He always supported things going on in the village.

"He was a good lad who would help anybody.”