TRIBUTES have been expressed following news of the death of a local football club's long time official photographer.

Mikey Cartwright was a well-known figure around local grounds as he covered East Thurrock United.

A statement from the club says: "Mikey served as the Rocks photographer for many years, covering our games home and away in an entirely voluntary capacity, until moving down to Shoebury as his health slowly deteriorated.

"His photographic recording of the club's history over the past 20 plus years stands as a testament to Mikey's love and dedication to the Rocks.

"We send our sincere condolences to Mikey's family, he will be sorely missed by us all."

Many tributes have been paid to Mikey from supporters, players and from former Rocks manager John Coventry who said: "That's so sad, Mikey was so good for me and East Thurrock United and was a massive part of all our success , you could always rely on Mikey to capture the great moments we had over the fourteen years I was manager .

"Nothing was too much trouble for him. At the beginning of every season he would always contact me to arrange the team photos for that season.

"He was a kind and very thoughtful person. R.I.P Mikey and thank you for everything you did, you were a big part of our East Thurrock Family."