FOOTBALL fans enjoyed an afternoon in Oswestry with a Liverpool legend.

Former Republic of Ireland international Mark Lawrenson was guest of honour at a sportsman's lunch at the Wynnstay Hotel on Sunday.

The event was a much happier occasion for the BBC pundit than a previous visit to Shropshire, when aged just 30 he got the news that his footballing career was over.

He said: "When I was finishing at Liverpool I snapped my Achilles, and I came to the hospital – I was here for two days and I had all sorts of tests on my Achilles and basically this guy who looked after me taught people to walk again.

"He was really, really good to me me, he said 'You're from the north aren't you? You can take bad news'

"I asked if I was getting some and he just said 'you need to pack in', but I kind of knew anyway."

Lawrenson, who started his career with Preston North End, answered questions of from diners, who also enjoyed a set from stand-up comedian Jed Stone.

Of the event, the Reds favourite said: "It's good fun, especially at a lunch because people are here to enjoy themselves, aren't they? They're not here to be preached at, so it's a bit of fun."

The event was held in association with Four Crosses FC.