Bury FC and fans have paid tribute to a lifelong fan who supported the club for more than 70 year and "became synonymous with the club's plight" following his death.

Kenny Hindle had been a passionate fan of the Shakers since he was aged eight and spoke of his sadness when the club was expelled from the Football League in 2019 following financial difficulties.

Read more: Pilsworth landfill: MP says operator breached licence

In August that year, he went to Gigg Lane to try and get a refund on the season ticket he had bought earlier in the summer.

He said: “The club means everything to me. It’s just your life, isn’t it?

"I had a lot of friends here and I just hope it can rise again.”

Read more: Bury College opens new hair and beauty centre

He also made a heartfelt appeal to save the club in a video, which garnered more than one million views as he was known as the face of Bury fans at that time.

Read more: Bury Transport Museum announces record-breaking year

On Monday, a spokesperson for Bury FC said: “We are sad to report the passing of long-time Bury fan, Kenny Hindle.

“Following the club for over 70 years, Kenny became synonymous with the club's plight in 2019.

“We are so glad he saw his beloved Bury back at Gigg Lane.

“Once A Shaker, Always A Shaker.

“RIP Kenny.”

Tributes have also flooded in from fans on the club's social media pages, praising his passion for the Shakers and his "lovely" personality.

One said: "Such a lovely gentleman.

"He would sit with my dad and son's every home game and always had stories to tell. RIP Kenny."

Another said: "RIP Kenny, met you on several occasions. A true football fan."

A third added: What a legend. May he rest in peace."

A fourth said: "RIP Kenny, what a great human and a massive Bury fan!"

Another added: "RIP Kenny a pleasure to have known you, a true Bury fan, you will be missed by many."