Gerry played prop for the Preston Grasshoppers 1st XV team in the early seventies and was a player of immense strength.

Although he has been in a care home in Lytham for some time, he will be fondly remembered for his exploits on the rugby pitch.

His funeral will be at Lytham Crematorium on Friday 9th January at 12.15pm.

Pictured above: Gerry Graves (pictured right) with fellow former Hoppers players Stan Threlfall and hooker Dicky Dunne.