THE life of Carlisle United football legend Ivor Broadis is being recognised at the city’s reopened airport.

The announcement comes after the Carlisle Lake District Airport launched its first commercial flights in 26 years earlier in the month.

It was revealed on Tuesday by the owners and operators of the site, the Stobart Group, that they had erected a commemorative plaque which celebrates the life of the former England international, RAF veteran and journalist.

Mr Broadis died in April at the age of 96.

Prior to his death, the London-born inside forward spoke with great fondness about being awarded the freedom of Carlisle award last year.

Described as “one of the great players of the English game” by Sir Alex Ferguson, he won 14 caps for his country, scored eight goals, and played in the 1954 World Cup.

Before he found his feet on the footballing stage, Broadis trained as a flight lieutenant navigator during World War Two and was commissioned to fly Wellingtons and Lancaster bombers out of RAF Crosby-on-Eden - an airfield which was located where Carlisle’s airport is based today.

Broadis’ daughter, Gill Hind, was joined by Stobart chief executive Warwick Brady and Carlisle Airport manager Paul Martland for the unveiling of the plaque.

A Carlisle Airport spokesman said: “We were delighted to meet Gill and remember Ivor for his extraordinary life.

“We hope his name and legacy inspires everyone who travels through Carlisle Lake District Airport from across the world.”

Carlisle Airport offers flights to Belfast City, Dublin and London Southend.