HUNDREDS of people turned out to celebrate the life of Cardenden’s famous son John Thomson at the annual football tournament held in his honour.

The fun day at Moorside Park on Sunday was hailed as a ‘brilliant event’ as the seven-a-side competition celebrated its 35th year.

A Scottish international, Thomson was fatally injured during a match with Rangers in September 1931 at the age of just 32.

His memory was preserved by Alex Burns MBE who founded the John Thomson Memorial Committee in 1983 and a football pitch at the Bowhill Centre is now named after the Celtic legend.

Alex said the 35th tournament was ‘very successful’ and told the Times: “It’s one of the largest turnouts we’ve had in recent years. It’s always nice to see a good number of people there.

“It was a great day of football and the rain didn’t stop the teams playing well.

“There were eight teams this year, with two all-girl sides. It’s great to get the girls involved.

“It’s harder to get teams involved these days as times have changed, but the standard was very good this year.”

Fife Provost Jim Leishman kicked off the tournament and a piper (Jim Forbes) piped the teams onto the park before they were introduced to local councillors Linda Erskine and Rosemary Liewald.

The JT All Stars lifted this year’s trophy after beating Bowhill Rovers in the final.

A large procession was then led to the presentations within Bowhill Centre with guests including ex-Celtic legend Tosh McKinlay and ex-Rangers legend Willie Johnston.

A lone piper played a lament before wreaths were laid by John Thomson’s graveside.

Further wreaths were also placed at the monument in memory of the local mining disaster at Bowhill Colliery which claimed the lives of 10 miners, a month after John Thomson lost his life.

The day ended with a buffet in the Railway Tavern with supporters clubs and sponsors and Mr Burns thanked everyone involved in making the event a big success.