Hundreds of people turned out to honour a club legend as a grandstand was unveiled.

Around 500 people turned out at the Lavish Life Competitions Stadium in Walmer Road, Lowestoft last Sunday as the stand was officially opened at the home of Kirkley and Pakefield Football Club.

Family, friends, former teammates and supporters all united to celebrate the life of an "inspirational" man who "touched so many hearts".

Huggy's memorial game and stand unveiling was held in honouring James 'Huggy' Hutchinson. Picture: The Hutchinson family (Image: Supplied)

Honouring James 'Huggy' Hutchinson, The Huggy Stand was unveiled in his memory at Kirkley and Pakefield's home ground in south Lowestoft.

As well as the stand being dedicated to Huggy, a memorial game took centre stage on the Walmer Road pitch he had so fondly graced.

Glowing tributes were paid to Huggy after the highly respected and stalwart footballer died in August last year aged just 49 after a "hugely courageous battle" against cancer.

Hailed as a "legend" at Kirkley & Pakefield FC, the dominant centre half shone during a trophy-laden football playing career that began at Waveney, before impressing at Lowestoft Town, K&P and successful Sunday sides.

Huggy also managed successful teams at all adult levels at K&P - including a decade as reserves team manager, before he was promoted to assistant first team manager, a position he held until his illness took over in 2018.

Symbolising his strength of character and courage, Huggy however returned to the dugout at K&P as his sons continue to play for the club.

Husband to Jayne for 25 years, the couple had three sons Tom, Jack and Billy.

His sons selected a Kirkley X1 that drew 5-5 with a Huggy X1 during the memorial game.

A club spokesman said that the memorial game, unveiling and dedication of the grandstand in the name of 'Huggy' - James Hutchinson, a legend at the club - was "a great success with approaching 500 supporters in attendance."

"Huggy’s wife Jayne gave a moving speech before the stand was unveiled, and the match proved very entertaining, with a last minute penalty sealing a 5-5 draw.

"After the match many former players and families enjoyed the fine sunny afternoon to raise a glass to 'Huggy' - a very well-liked, jovial man at the club who is missed by all."