Gordon Banks, former England and Stoke City goalkeeper, is being recognised by Keele University for his outstanding contribution to sport and charity work.

He will be awarded a Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University on Friday.

He played 73 times for England and was a league cup winner with Stoke City and Leicester City. He has also raised thousands of pounds for charity.

During his international career he kept 35 clean sheets and was on the losing side just nine times.

'Career cut short'

He also appeared in two FA Cup finals and was named footballer of the year in 1972.

He started raising money for a children's cancer ward in Stoke after being asked to present a cheque to a patient so he could go on holiday.

The cash raised has gone towards the development of a special examinations room on the ward, a play area, equipment and the next project is a calming room.

He also goes on annual trips and outings with patients.

Mr Banks' football career started with Chesterfield before a transfer to Leicester.

He was awarded the OBE in 1970 but his career was cut short when he was involved in a road accident and lost the sight in his right eye.

He had played 510 league games. He went on to play for Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American League and also had spells coaching at Stoke and Port Vale before becoming general manager of Telford United.