A "legendary" figure on Carlisle's football scene who lived his life at the heart of a city club has died.

Tributes have been paid to Carlisle City Football Club stalwart Jacky Ewbank, 76.

Mr Ewbank, of Lansdowne Crescent, Stanwix, had been involved with the club since its formation in 1975.

During that time he was secretary and then chairman of the club.

His son, Oliver Ewbank, said: "My dad loved football.

"He was a player then a referee, then he became secretary and then chairman. He loved it. He loved the players and the banter.

"He used to go around with a little black book collecting their £1 fees and he would chase anyone who didn’t pay up on time.

"He went to all the home and away games, only recently knocking the away games on the head when Carlisle City FC moved into the Northern Alliance league and were playing teams further afield.

"He would regularly go over to the north east. The teams there loved him.

"He never supported anyone other than Carlisle City.

"I used to joke with him and say he was a closet geordie because he always asked how Newcastle United got on."

Mr Ewbank, who was married to Joan, was a painter and decorator by trade until he retired and he also delivered bread in the Carlisle area.

He was president and a member of the Ex-Services Men’s Club on the corner of Albert Street and Victoria Place.

Oliver, 45, said: "He was a bubbly, boisterous and sociable man. He would do anything for anyone.

"He had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and he died peacefully in the Cumberland Infirmary."

A spokesman for Carlisle City said: "Jacky was involved with the club for countless years since our formation in 1975.

"For a long period of time, he served as chairman and, whatever his role, everyone knew that sky blue blood ran through his veins.

"He did so many jobs for Carlisle City that it is impossible to list them all.

"Several people described him as a true club legend. His many friends are devastated."

A minute’s silence had been due to take place ahead of Carlisle City’s match against Netherhall on Tuesday night but the game was called off.

Mr Ewbank’s funeral will be held today (FRI) at Carlisle Crematorium at 3pm followed by a celebration of his life in the Ex-Services Men’s club.

He also leaves his daughter Samantha, 49, son-in-law Danny, daughter-in-law Donna, five grandchildren, three sisters and a brother.

He passed away last Friday.

Donations can be made to the Maple Ward Amenities Fund at the Cumberland Infirmary, c/o Ken Patton Funeral Directors on Warwick Road.