WINNERS of the annual children's football tournament in memory of John Thomson loved their day out at Celtic Park on Valentine's Day.

The legendary goalkeeper, who came from Cardenden and lost his life while playing for the Glasgow giants in 1931, is remembered in the village every year with a sporting competition.

And last year's winners, 15 kids in total, were treated to a day to remember by the John Thomson Memorial Committee, with community youth leaders Cheryl Gilfillan and Nicola Wilson also helping out.

First port of call was Celtic Park where the party from Cardenden were led into the stadium by piper Jim Forbes and then given a tour of the home of the Scottish champions.

Chair of the committee, Alex Burns, said: "Everyone at Celtic was talking about it as I don't think they'd ever seen anyone piped into the stadium before. It really caused a stir and it was a sight to behold."

They were then treated to an excellent buffet in the Walfrid Lounge, courtesy of the club, and the kids were then given some pocket money to spend in the Celtic superstore.

To finish off a special day the children visited the training ground at Lennoxtown, where they were greeted by the Hoops' assistant boss John Kennedy, former player Stephen McManus and Lisbon Lion John Clark.

The kids took the opportunity to get autographs and photos as well as a quick football match on the indoor pitch.

Mr Burns told the Times: "It's 37 years now since I started it.

"I was at the same school as John Thomson, Auchterderran Secondary, and played in the school football team.

"One of the teachers used to bring in his attire, his jersey and suchlike. so from a young age I was always really interested in the story of John Thomson.

"After I left school I still played at juvenile and amateur level, I organised teams and always had it in the back of my mind to do something to recognise this local hero.

"I asked Celtic in 1982 if they'd donate a trophy, which they did, and we started the tournament in 1983 and have been playing for it ever since."

Thomson, who also played for Scotland, died after an accidental collision with Rangers player Sam English during an Old Firm game in September 1931. He was just 22.

Last year's tournament took place at Moorside Park, Dundondald Bluebell's ground, in September with 500 people along to watch.

Every child who played got a memento from the day and, later, wreaths were laid at the graveside of the Celtic legend.

He added: "The first person I ever got to lay a wreath at Bowhill Cemetery was John's brother, Jim Thomson.

"On the way I asked him if he had any words he wanted to say about his brother.

"Jim replied 'They've all been said before but no-one ever had a bad word to say about oor Johnny'."

Mr Burns thanked everyone at Celtic and also presented a plaque to Ian Jamieson, head of the PR department at the club, for all his support and assistance over a great number of years.

He extended his gratitude to Ore Valley Housing Association, who helped the committee buy new John Thomson hoodies which were worn for the first time during the visit, and Name Droppers in Cowdenbeath for making them.

Mr Burns also thanked the piper, Jim Forbes, Margaret King from Bowhill Centre and Gayle Faulds from the Corrie Centre.