TRIBUTES have been paid to a father and long-serving club photographer at Poole Town Football Club.

Andy Orman, 62, died on March 21 after battling motor neurone disease for more than a year.

He was a familiar face at the non-league football outfit, travelling home and away as club photographer for many years.

Son David told the Daily Echo: "He was literally just the best dad you could think of. He loved his family. He was always supportive, encouraged us and always told us to go for our goals.

"He was a top bloke, friendly, funny, always joking. He loved his football and he loved his photography."

A Southampton fan, Andy went with his son to many games at St Mary's and Saints' former home The Dell.

Born and raised in Poole, Andy worked as a painter and decorator before being involved in a variety of jobs at Bournemouth & Poole College.

His final job before he was forced to retire was as a groundsman at Lockyer's Middle School.

He was diagnosed officially with motor neurone disease in around January last year after starting to lose the ability to grip in his hands.

Despite the disease having a greater impact, he continued to maintain his passion for photography and still took pictures of the Tatnam outfit over the first few months of the 2019-20 season.

Poole Town made a presentation to Andy at their game against Wimborne on New Year's Day to mark the club's appreciation for his efforts over the years.

Chairman Chris Reeves said: "The outstanding quality of his photographs have raised the profile of the club on a regular basis and have been a continuous source of pride.

"He will always remain a very special member of the Poole Town family."

A fundraising page for the Motor Neurone Disease Association has been set up on Facebook, allowing people to also leave messages of condolences. This can be found at facebook.com/donate/520610018880057.

"The reaction of people on Facebook has been amazing to read," said David. "It has been sad but it makes you proud seeing that hundreds of people have sent their condolences and said how nice he was.

"The money raised so far for MND Association is incredible. He would be so chuffed at that."