TRIBUTES have been paid by Widnes Vikings after one of the club’s staunchest supporters died in her sleep on Friday.

Legendary fan Pat Price, aged 77, has followed the team since she was a little girl.

Pat, hailed ‘Fan of Pride’, travelled home and away to watch her beloved Widnes and became a cult figure with supporters.

Vikings Chairman Steve O'Connor said: "Pat went to school with my mum and asked after her at every game. I can't imagine going to the game and not bumping into Pat in the future.

“She was a credit to our club and will be sadly missed."

Pat spent large parts of her life volunteering with the club and would always be seen doing her bit to help the community.

She would be seen week in week out selling the Vikings programme in the south stand and in the social club.

James Rule, Vikings chief executive officer, said: “Pat was a fan of this club through thick and thin and nothing was ever too much trouble for her.

“She loved Widnes Vikings and everything the club stood for. The club are deeply saddened to hear the news from Pat’s family and all our thought's and prayers are with them at this very sad time.”

Director Brian O'Connor added: "All of our thought's are with all of Pat's family at this sad time. The title of club legend is one that is not thrown around lightly but Pat was a true legend of this club and was famous not only with our supporters but with rugby league fans across the land.

“Pat attended each and every game in full black and white and would often shout at me if I had arrived for work in a blue suit or a green tie.”

Pat was presented with a commemorative gift from the club to mark her recent 77th birthday.

She took to the field and was rewarded with a rendition of Happy Birthday sang by all the fans.