A memorial service is set to be held for a “pioneering” former footballer and anti-racism campaigner after a weekly newspaper’s campaign.

The Coventry Observer called last week for a celebration of Cyrille Regis to take place in the city following his death at the age of 59 on 14 January.

Mr Regis spent seven years with Coventry City, and was part of their FA Cup winning side in 1987, as well as being capped five times by England.

His funeral was held on Tuesday at The Hawthorns, the home of West Bromwich Albion, where he played for seven years prior to joining Coventry.

The Observer splashed on its campaign’s success this week

But the Observer had called for a service to also be held at Coventry Cathedral.

The newspaper says it has now learned from its contact with the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, that discussions are now being made with Coventry City and Mr Regis’s family about a memorial service being held at Coventry Cathedral.

The Observer’s editorial from last week reads: “There could be no more suitable place for the city of Coventry to celebrate the life of Cyrille Regis than the cathedral, should his family agree.

“Coventry Cathedral, Sir Basil Spence’s glorious post-war symbol of unity and renewal, peace and reconciliation, embodies what Cyrille stood for and symbolised.

“Big Cyrille campaigned to kick racism out of football and is widely respected as a pioneer for other black footballers and people. He handled racism hurled at him with quiet but determined dignity.”

It adds: “We say Coventry people would clearly welcome something major to celebrate Cyrille in our city, should the family be willing. He is surely one of the most iconic figures in Coventry’s history and people feel he is one of our own.”