THE funeral of Hugh Lloyd MBE will be awash with the blue and white of his beloved Chester City.

The Chester-born comedian and actor, famed for co-starring with the legendary Tony Hancock in 25 episodes of Hancock’s Half Hour, died on July 14 aged 85.

An avid Chester City supporter to the end, Hugh Lewis Lloyd was born on April 22, 1923 in Chester, the son of a tobacco factory manager. His parents were strict Methodists and disapproved of their son’s ambitions of becoming a comedian.

He was educated at the King’s School before taking his first job as a cub reporter reviewing local theatre at the Chester Chronicle where he stayed for two years.

Seven decades of TV, film and stage roles confirmed his versatile talent, first shown in Chester’s music halls and the former Royalty theatre.

Ian Bedford, former sports editor of the Chester Chronicle, writes: “Even on his nationwide and overseas tours with various plays he would make sure he somehow got to hear the Chester result and he devoted a chapter in his autobiography to his interest in football and Chester City in particular.

“Most of all, though, he looked forward to his visits to Sealand Road and, latterly, to the Deva Stadium. Chester FC have lost an exiled, but enthusiastic fan.”

Eddie McDonald, 83, worked as a sports reporter at the Chester Chronicle alongside Hugh Lloyd from 1942.

He said: “It’s fair to say that he remained a true Cestrian. Everybody knew him and most people were proud of the fact that a Chester lad had got so far in television.”

In 2005, Lloyd was awarded an MBE for his services to drama and charity.

He is survived by his widow, Shän, and his second wife, the musician José Stewart.

The service begins at 2.20pm on Thursday, July 31, 2.20pm, at Worthing Crematorium and mourners have been asked to wear blue and white in honour of Lloyd’s lifetime support of Chester City.

The family have requested that no flowers be brought and donations be sent to St Barnabas House Hospice in Worthing instead.

Funeral directors are Teresa Baker Caring Lady, 56 Goring Road, Goring, Worthing, tel. 01903 505757.