When former footballer Tommy Farrer’s old club held a minute’s silence in his memory, it was a fitting tribute.

There was just one problem. He wasn’t dead.

The 86-year-old, of Ernest Drive, Allington, has just celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary with wife Gladys, 87.

Mr Farrer played for Bishop Auckland, in County Durham, between 1945 and 1953, where it was believed he had died. He had also won 20 caps for England at amateur level.

Not only was a minute’s silence arranged, but a tribute was carried in a local newspaper.

The club’s programme notes said: “We have just learnt of the death of two blues legend Tommy Farrer ... our thoughts go to his family and friends.”

A bemused Mr Farrer said: “Whoever it was who told people I had died obviously contacted the local football ground and they decided to go the whole hog by arranging the silence.”

The couple moved to Maidstone in 1970 and remained in touch with just a handful of people in the north east.

Mrs Farrer added: “I had a phone call from someone we had kept in touch with, asking after Tommy. When I said he had gone shopping, he said he would call back.

“He rang back a couple of days later and said he was very sorry to say but they had held a minute’s silence for him.

“I just feel sorry for the 2,000 people stood freezing in the stadium. We go for an half hour walk every day and keep ourselves fit. As you can see, he is very much alive and well.”

Mr Farrer joined Bishop Auckland after serving with the Tank Corps during the Second World War, while Mrs Farrer served with the Royal Artillery.

He played in three FA Amateur Cup finals at Wembley in 1948, 1950 and 1951, losing each time.

He then played with Walthamstow, before retiring.

Mr Farrer, who also worked as a clothing designer, said: “We are not upset, but we did think it was a bit of a joke at first.”

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