BLACKBURN Rovers have paid tribute to a superfan who lived and breathed everything about the football club.

Doris Houghton, known to most as Dolly, died in hospital earlier this month.

Described as being ‘funny and witty’, Rovers fan Dolly was last year treated to a VIP match day experience at Ewood Park where she was able to meet players Bradley Dack and Joe Rothwell and have her photo taken with them.

Now the club have paid tribute to one of their biggest fans upon hearing the sad news of her passing.

A club spokesman said: "We were deeply saddened to hear of Dolly's passing. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting her at a game at Ewood Park last season and providing her with the opportunity to meet some of the players pre-match.

“She was a great character and clearly very passionate about the club. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."

On the day Blackburn woman Dolly, who was registered blind, had a headset with her so she could listen to the game, where Rovers beat their opponents Millwall by two goals.

Jessica Logan, her Nursing Assistant, said: “Blackburn Rovers absolutely did a credit to her. Every member of staff was kind and generous to her, she was treated like a VIP for the day, she had her picture taken with the premier trophy and had access to the Director's lounge, which was described to Dolly, she giggled and said it sounds posh! It was. She was given headphones to listen to BRFC radio.”

Before the game, Dolly was escorted into the trophy room where she had her picture taken and the club had organised for Dolly to meet the players.

Here Dolly was asked who she would like to have her picture taken with, to which she replied Colin Hendry – a defender who hadn’t played for the club for more than two decades.

Instead, Dolly settled for a photoshoot with stars Bradley Dack and Joe Rothwell before she was taken to the club shop where she was treated to a scarf, t-shirt and a mascot teddy.

Joanna Walsh, one of Dolly’s nurses added: “It was an absolute pleasure taking Dolly and rather emotional to see her really experience her passion of Rovers. Everyone at the club were brilliant with Dolly and a true credit to themselves as a whole. The smile on Dolly’s face brought joy to their hearts and her humour brought many laughs.”

The manager of Old Gates care home, where Dolly was a resident, Helen Hodlen said: “Ten years colleagues at our home have known Doris, she was funny, witty, loved Lancashire radio, loved Rovers, loved a good gossip, she was such a joy to care for, she loved us all and told us each day. She wasn’t just a resident but a friend to all.”

Old Gates care home would like to extend special thanks to Blackburn Rovers and their staff including Juliana Preugschat, Christine Rennard, Rob Gill, Joanna and Jessica from the club shop, and Sarah and Les at reception.