Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Prestwich Heys volunteer, PA announcer and broadcaster who died last week.

Described as “one of life’s good guys”, John Cronnolley, 67, died after he was admitted to hospital following a battle with cancer, which lasted for several years.

John, who was born in Prestwich in 1955, became a fan of Heys around the time they entered the North West Counties League, while also following FC United.

Heys soon became his team and his "warm, friendly character" saw him soon become a firm part of the Heys Family.

A spokesperson from the club said: “John had time for everyone, always approachable, friendly and good company.

"He was genuinely one of life’s good guys. He will be sadly missed.

“John became one of our volunteers, helping around the club in various ways while also showing his support with player and match sponsorship.

“Last season, his voice became the accompaniment to matchdays at Adie Moran Park as our PA announcer.

“John had experience of radio broadcasting and he brought those skills to the fore to keep everyone informed and entertained.”

John also worked on national newspapers, in a call centre for a national energy company and as a councillor at the turn of the century.

For more than 20 years he helped to paint the pirate radio base Ross Revenge, which was one of Radio Caroline's ships in the 1980s.

And in 2010 he was able to fulfil a lifetime ambition to broadcast on Caroline.

Radio presenters at The Flash, based in Portsmouth, have also paid tributes to the John who became an instant hit with their listeners after his first show on July 9, 2020.

In a tribute on social media, a spokesperson said: “In July 2020 when we were all enduring Covid lockdowns, many of our presenters were unable to come to our studio to present shows, so I was looking for anyone who could bring us shows from their own homes.

“John presented his first show for us on the evening of Thursday, July 9, 2020 and became an instant hit with our listeners."

He soon contributed to a weekly Motown show before taking over it.

But he had to stop broadcasting in October 2021 as he battled with cancer but his "friendly and informative Bolton accent continued to feature on The Flash via his back catalogue of shows".

The spokesperson added: “John not only brought us brilliant radio shows, but was very generous to The Flash in many other ways.

“He was proud to be a member of our team, and boy were we proud to have him.

"Even with his health problems he would often travel 250 miles to come to our get togethers, and the last time we saw him was at one such event at The Red Lion in Cosham in May of this year.

“As a tribute to our friend John Cronnolley we will continue to broadcast his programmes on The Flash, so he can continue to bring us joy from above!”