A charity set up in memory of the footballer George Best is to be wound down after eight years.

A voluntary proposal to strike off the Northern Irish charity, which aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people, was submitted in September to Companies House.

The BBC has reported that Barbara McNarry, Best’s sister and one of two remaining trustees, made the decision because of her ill-health and a desire to spend more time in retirement.

A spokesman for the charity told the BBC: "Once outstanding creditors have been paid as part of the winding down process it is envisaged there will be a substantial surplus.

"It will be transferred to and managed by another independent charity and used to support projects aimed at upholding the legacy of George Best."

The latest accounts filed with Companies House, covering 2011/12, show that it has £156,000 in cash, down from £211,000 the previous year.

The BBC also reported that four of the charity’s six trustees stepped down in November last year. It was said to be “dealing with governance issues” and had asked a firm of chartered accountants to conduct an external review.

A remaining trustee had said following the departures: “We are a little in the dark but there is absolutely no danger going forward.”