John Charles is featured in the Welsh Wizards 11

Organisers said news of the 72-year-old's passing came just hours before the first visitors arrived for the Welsh Wizards showcase at the town's museum.

It features a fantasy team of the 11 best players to wear the red football jersey of Wales and Charles' name was one of the first on the team sheet.

Shirts, caps and other memorabilia associated with the former Leeds and Juventus star are on display including a rare Grogg statue of the player known as the Gentle Giant.

The Welsh Wizards Neville Southall Alf Sherwood Fred Keenor Roy Paul Joey Jones Billy Meredith John Charles Mark Hughes Ryan Giggs Ian Rush Trevor Ford

He was taken ill in January during a visit to Italy and although he was flown back to the UK never recovered.

"It's quite poignant in a way," said a spokesman for the museum.

"Some of his badges, caps and shirts are on display. I'm sure there will be interest in the collection."

Lining up alongside Charles in the all-time 11, selected by historians and enthusiasts of the game, are Llandudno-born players Neville Southall and Joey Jones.

"The exhibition is a chance to see how well Wales has performed in the past and to find out who these football greats are," added the spokesman.

The collection has been gathered over many years by Ceri Stennett of the Football Association of Wales with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It is part of the Welsh Football Collection that is on permanent display at Wrexham Museum.

The Welsh Wizards exhibition continues at Llandudno until 18 April.