TRIBUTES have been paid to a football club's 'oldest fan' who died on Thursday evening at the age of 103.

Clara Aspin's love affair with Blackburn Rovers began in 1927, when her father took her to Ewood Park for the very first time aged 11.

Since then Clara had supported her team through thick and thin, meeting some of the team's most famous faces in her later years.

Staff at the club announced the news of Clara's death over the weekend, paying tribute to their oldest fan.

A spokesman for the club said: “Rovers are deeply saddened to learn that the club’s oldest supporter, Clara Aspin, has passed away, aged 103.

"Clara was a truly inspirational lady, who had a real affection for the football club, which was great to see. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

In 2018 when Clara was celebrating her 102nd birthday, family and staff at the club arranged a special birthday treat for the football lover, with a visit from Rovers skipper Charlie Mulgrew.

The team's captain visited Clara in her home at Brierfield House Care Home in Nelson, gifting her flowers and a cake from everyone at the club.

Speaking at the time, Clara's daughter Kathleen Greenwood said her mum was in complete shock after the visit.

She said: “It was so lovely. I rang Blackburn Rovers to see if they would put my mother’s birthday announcement in the programme for her. They said no.

“They said they wanted to do something more special for her, and it all escalated from there really.”

As well as being a big fan of Charlie Mulgrew, her favourite player of all time is Alan Shearer - who played for Blackburn Rovers from 1992 to 1996.

She was also a big fan of Syd Puffefoot, Tommy Briggs and Bill Eckersley.

Just last month when Clara turned 103, Charlie Mulgrew surprised her again with a video message wishing her a happy birthday.

"He said I can't believe it was a year ago since I visited you on your 102nd birthday. You're 103 now and it's unbelievable, a great achievement.

"Thanks for you support throughout all of the years."