PETER Rushworth – who featured in Cherries’ memorable FA Cup run in 1956-57 – died peacefully on Saturday, aged 87.

He also spent 21 years working as a PE teacher at Homefield School on Iford Lane before retiring in 1992. He had lived in Christchurch for more than 50 years.

Mr Rushworth, who played at right-half, started as Cherries saw off Burton Albion and Swindon Town in the first two rounds of the FA Cup in 1956.

They went on to knock out Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur before losing in the quarter-finals to Manchester United, the club’s best run in the competition.

Mr Rushworth, who was signed by Jack Bruton in June 1953, made six appearances in the FA Cup and also played 88 times for Cherries in Division Three (South).

He joined Salisbury in July 1957 and helped them win the Western League in 1958 and 1961 before coaching Bournemouth Poppies, Poole Town and Christchurch.

Initially with Cheltenham works team Rotal Air Screws, he joined Cheltenham Town before transferring to Leicester for £1,350 in November 1951.

His son Mark said: “We have very fond memories of a great father. He loved playing for the Cherries and had a very happy time at the club.”

Mr Rushworth is survived by wife Gloria and sons Mark, Neil and Andrew.