A POPULAR, blind, dedicated Clarets fan has died at the age of 37.

And today family and friends paid tribute to one of the football club's most colourful supporters.

Shaun Parker, 37, of Padiham, died at Burnley General Hospital on Wednesday morning after an illness.

His family said he died while being fittingly dressed in claret and blue and wearing a Burnley scarf.

Friends said that Shaun will be remembered for travelling the length and breadth of the country to support his favoured team.

The funeral procession is set to pass Turf Moor, where staff are expected to form a line in tribute to Shaun.

Shaun's brother, Thomas, who lives in Coronation Avenue, Padiham, just round the corner from where the well-liked Clarets supporter lived, said that they were hoping for the funeral to be held at Burnley Crematorium on Wednesday.

He added: "Shaun's death will be a sad loss to a lot of people in the area. He was a well-liked and extremely popular person who will be greatly missed." A spokesman for Burnley FC said: "Everyone at the club is very sorry to hear about Shaun's death. He has been a life-long supporter at the club. It makes it even more sad. knowing how much the club meant to him and how much he meant to the club.

The family have requested that donations are sent to Guide Dogs for the Blind.