A history group is attempting to piece together the life story of the greatest sportsman to come from Idle.

FA Cup winner Dickie Watmough became a local legend in the 1930s after representing both Bradford City at football and Yorkshire at cricket.

The Greengates Local History Society now wants to create a complete record of his life and career in time for Bradford City's centenary year in 2003.

Members are hoping to contact surviving relatives and anyone who can remember Dickie in his glorious heyday as many details of his life have got lost in the mists of time.

It is known that he represented a host of local football teams including Greengates United and Thackley at football as well as Idle Cricket Club.

However his greatest achievement came when he won a FA Cup winners' medal after helping Preston North End defeat Huddersfield in the final of 1938.

History society member Councillor Ann Wallace (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said: "Dickie is the biggest sporting hero this area has known.

"He is also one of the few famous players to represent Greengates and we think that it is important that he is remembered properly. Hope-fully our work will pay tribute to a true local legend."

The group has embarked upon the project as it prepares for the launch of its new web site in September.

His obituary in the Telegraph & Argus following his death on September 7, 1962, paid tribute to his talents: "Though small and compact Dickie Watmough allied such courage and tenacity to a rich fund of natural football skill that he was a prominent figure in the most effective forward line Bradford City possessed over an extended period," it said.

Bradford City historian Terry Frost said Dickie was one of Bradford's star players of his day.

"Dickie was the local hero and a formidable character," he said. "He is an important figure in the history of the club. His transfer from Brad-ford became one of the biggest sports stories of the time."

Anyone with information on Dickie's life or who knows of surviving relatives is asked to contact Coun Wallace on (01274) 613219.