A football club has paid a touching tribute to a 'true legend.'

The "commitment and loyalty" of Shaun Howes to Waveney Football Club in Lowestoft has been hailed after he died, aged 39, on Saturday, May 18.

Well-known locally as a talented football player and manager, a keen cricketer, devoted family man and a popular friend to many, Waveney FC said his death was "a tragic loss."

In an emotional statement, a Waveney FC spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that one of the club stalwarts, Shaun Howes, has tragically passed away aged 39.

"Shaun joined the club in 1989 as a youth player and remained with Waveney FC for 27 consecutive seasons, before packing away his boots three seasons ago.

"This commitment and loyalty to one club is indeed a rare trait and this feat will rarely be equalled in this day and age."

During his time in youth and adult football with Waveney FC, the midfielder played 730 games spanning these 27 seasons.

With Waveney FC celebrating 40 years at the heart of the local football community in 2018, Mr Howes was given a special award at a prestigious 40th anniversary ball last year.

He was one of only a handful of players who received an honour for being 'club legends' after they'd played for Waveney FC on more than 500 occasions.

A club spokesman said: "Shaun played 730 games over this period and is a true legend at the club playing in any position the team required.

"He scored 64 goals for the club in this period.

"Shaun moved into adult football and eventually managed the Saturday first team in the Lowestoft & District League to great league and cup success and 'just got on with it'.

"He will be sorely missed by us all at Waveney FC.

"The local football community have lost someone who played football for the right reasons and a true gent.

"Our deepest condolences go to his family."

A service to celebrate Mr Howes' life will be held at Waveney Memorial Park and Crematorium at Ellough in Beccles on Wednesday, June 12.