TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved youth club worker who has died following a battle with cancer.

Blackburn Youth Zone facilities manager Bob McKnight died at home last week with his family by his side.

Fellow staff said the 63-year-old was passionate about his job and loved helping others at the club.

Hannah Allen, chief executive of Blackburn Youth Zone, described him as ‘really well-loved and part of the fabric of the building’.

She said: “Bob was really passionate about what he did and about helping others.

“He was a massive Blackburn Rovers fan and was funny and would always have a bit of banter with me about Blackburn winning the Premier League and my team Liverpool never winning it.

“Bob was passionate about helping others and was really well loved and a part of the fabric of the building, a real father figure to us all.

“He was someone who went above and beyond his work, also volunteering to help young people.”

Mr McKnight, from Feniscowles, worked as facilities manager at the youth club for six years, looking after the building.

He also worked as a volunteer at the club, teaching youngsters cookery skills and taking them on trips out.

Ms Allen added: “Bob would look after the Youth Zone building and was known for his health and safety concerns and would make sure everyone was safe.

“All the young people knew him and he did so many things with them, including running a cooking programme on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as he was good at cooking and wanted to help the children.

“He was really passionate about healthy eating and we’re going to name the Youth Zone’s kitchen after Bob as a tribute.

“He drove some of our members in a minibus to a Phil Collins concert in Manchester last year and it was the first time they’d experienced a concert.

“He would also go with young people to compete in the Youth Zone President’s Cup, where our members compete against other youth zones in things like arts, dance and sport.

“We are in shock. Bob will be really sadly missed.”

Mr McKnight leaves wife Helen, children Bec and Dan, stepson Alex and grandson Jack. His funeral will be held at Pleasington Crematorium at 11.30am on Friday.