Tributes have been paid to Sheppey EMUs founder David O'Neill who died on Thursday after a battle with cancer. He had turned 63 the day before.

Family man Mr O'Neill founded the event marshalling unit in 1985 and appeared at virtually all of the Island's outdoor events until he retired two years ago and handed the baton to his daughter Tracey.

Sheppey United FC is to stage a minute of applause in his honour before its game at Holm Park, Halfway, this Saturday at 3pm. He was often present as a steward.

Phil Crowder, chairman of the Sheerness Town Team, said: "We are saddened by news of the passing of our friend and former member. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time."

Singer Mick Kenten added: "He will be missed by so many. He was a true gentleman."

Mr O'Neill, who lived in Kent Avenue, Minster, with his wife Michelle, was born in Bermondsey, south London. When the couple met, Mr O'Neill was working as bingo caller in Surrey.

He suffered from diabetes, bladder cancer, bone cancer, COPD and underwent a triple heart bypass.

He was taken to hospital on Wednesday with pneumonia and died the following morning at 11.15am. He leaves three children. Colin, Keith and Tracey, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The grandchildren in age order are Danielle, James, Shannon, Kristian, Rachel, Adam, Bradley, Tommy and Callum. James, Kristian and Tommy all marshalled with their grandad.

Tracey said: "Dad was often out marshalling but he also found time to be with his friends and family. He was a fun-loving, funny, caring man."

She added: "My mum and I would like to thank everyone for their kind messages, calls and visits from the bottom of our hearts. We are so grateful to each and everyone of you."

The EMUs were his local newspaper the Sheerness Times Guardian’s charity of the year in 2016.

They have been familiar faces at the Sheppey Pirates Festival, Sheerness Town Team events, Sheppey Summer Carnival, Queenborough’s lantern parade, Sittingbourne’s Friday market and Infusion festival and Sheppey United’s home games.

Mr O'Neill also travelled across Kent helping at Biddenden’s tractor festival and Chatham’s dragon boat race.