A legendary footballer could soon be honoured with a lasting tribute in his home village near the border between Calderdale and Bradford.
A fundraising campaign is underway to install a blue plaque in Shelf, in memory of Frank Worthington.
The famed footballer made over 800 career appearances and scored more than 250 goals during a career that saw him play for Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United.
The striker, who won eight England caps in 1974 and was described by then-manager Joe Mercer as "one of the best centre-forwards of all time," died in 2021 at the age of 72 from dementia.
Frank Worthington in action for Birmingham
(Image: PA News)
John Peters, a volunteer and committee member for the Halifax Civic Trust, said: "He was a character was Frank; he wasn’t just an amazing football player.
"Not a conventional athlete, he was a proper showman and entertainer, and by all accounts a lovely person."
Mr Peters was inspired to start the campaign after being asked by the Civic Trust to explore new blue plaque nominations beyond the usual figures.
He said: "I thought it would be nice to investigate other individuals different to the 18th century industrialists that seem very typical to Bradford.
"Frank Worthington seemed an ideal candidate for representing Halifax.
After consideration, he sent out a note to various Halifax Facebook groups asking if anyone could come forward with information.
His outreach led him to Worthington’s brothers, who shared personal stories and brought a scrapbook of the footballer’s life to a café meet-up.
Mr Peters said: "He seemed a great candidate being Halifax’s only known England international player."
Frank Worthington watches ones of his former teams, Huddersfield
(Image: PA News)
The fundraising campaign was launched on August 19 through GoFundMe and has already raised more than half of its £1,000 target.
Mr Peters said: "I pulled together people from across the different clubs and of course the Halifax community.
"We’ll pull together enough money one way or another, but I think we’ll be fine with the GoFundMe."
Frank Worthington (far left) trains with the England squad
(Image: PA News)
The plaque will be placed in Shelf and any surplus funds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United Against Dementia campaign, at the suggestion of Worthington’s family.
Mr Peters said: "I consulted the brothers about what to do with any extra, they directed me to Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United Against Dementia."
The charity works to support current and former players, staff, supporters and fans across the UK who are affected by dementia.
Mr Peters said: "Unfortunately dementia is quite prevalent in pro-sports with head injuries.
"Footballs were a lot heavier back then.
"Now hopefully this can help with preventative measures."
This blue plaque is part of a broader effort by the Halifax Civic Trust to recognise more relatable figures and buildings.
Mr Peters said: "Frank seemed a really good jumping point for this."