TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a lifelong Bradford City fan.

Jack Pickering died at Howgate House Care Home in Idle, where he had been a resident for the final year of his life at the age of 75.

Mr Pickering suffered a brain embolism in 2004 and had worked on the gates of the turnstiles at Valley Parade for many years.

He is survived by wife Jackie, also 75, whom he married in 1960, two daughters, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Mr Pickering, who became a City supporter in his early teens, was also working on the turnstiles on May 11, 1985, the day of the Bradford City fire disaster, which claimed the lives of 56 fans, 54 from Bradford City and two from their opponents that day, Lincoln City.

He was also a member of Bingley Harriers in his youth and worked for English Electric in Thornbury.

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His sister, Janet Mortimer, said: "Bradford City was his world.

"He was a family man, he was kind. He loved his City and was their number one fan.

"Even after he suffered from his brain embolism he still continued to support City and was well known at the club.

"In his later years, he would still attend the games in his wheelchair until he was no longer able.

"I remember him going to City all of his life.

"He loved watching City on the telly in the nursing home. If they were not on TV, he would listen to them on the radio.

"His room at the nursing home had City colours and he was always wearing his City shirt most of the time.

"He was very sporty and very healthy. He was a lovely brother. He was very supportive.

"He was fit and healthy until he had a sudden brain embolism. His condition got worse over the years."

Bradford City co-chairman Mark Lawn also paid tribute to Mr Pickering.

He said: "Our sincere sympathies to Mr Pickering's family from everybody at the club including the staff and players.

"I hope that we gave him a bit of pleasure with our cup run this year.

"It is a shame when a lifelong fan loses his life.

"He was one of the dedicated people who work at the club for the love of City."

Mr Pickering's funeral is set to have a Bradford City theme, with his grandchildren getting a collection of flowers written out in 'Grandad' in claret and amber in his honour.

The service will be held at Nab Wood Crematorium, Bingley Road, Shipley, on April 7 starting at 2.40pm.

Any donations will be given to the University of Bradford's Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) which was set up in the aftermath of the 1985 tragedy.