A MEMORIAL to a football-crazy regular has been erected above the seat where he used to sit in a Malvern pub.

A cabinet commemorating the life of Michael Brookes, known to all as Bilko, was unveiled last week at the Express Inn, Malvern Link.

Bilko, who died in Novem-ber last year at the age of 40, was an ardent England and West Bromwich Albion (the Baggies) fan, travelling across the world following the England team.

His memorial recognises his devotion by featuring tickets from the various international games he went to across the globe, as well as a WBA shirt signed by the team.

Gerry Deegan, landlord of the pub, said that Bilko always dreamed of West Brom being promoted.

"In the 11 years I've known him, it was a big thing that the Baggies were going up every year," he said. "It seems a shame that the year he dies, they go up."

Mr Deegan said that Bilko was a popular figure in Malvern. When he died, 450 people attended his funeral, requiring speakers to be erected outside the Worcester Crematorium, so mourners could hear the service.

After Bilko's death, his family took his possessions back to their home in Australia, which led to the delay in creating the memorial. However, one of his brothers sent Mr Deegan a shirt, which was then sent to West Brom to be signed.

"They are very pleased that this is happening to remember him by," Mr Deegan said. "He had a short life but he was just so well loved."