TRIBUTES have been paid to a comedian and club singer who has entertained the people of the region for more than 50 years.

A minute's silence will be held for Frankie Baggs at his beloved Hartlepool United at the club's next home match on Saturday.

Mr Baggs, who was 69 and leaves a wife and three children, died of bone cancer last Friday.

Originally from High Spen, near Gateshead, he had moved with his policeman father to Hartlepool aged 14 and soon began singing in workingmen's clubs. His talent as a comedian gradually came to the fore and the trained fitter received bookings across the region in a part-time career that lasted 50 years.

Mr Baggs, who received an award from Hartlepool Borough Council recently for his community and charity work which also went back more than 50 years, had also served Hartlepool United as commercial manager.

The comedian, who was regular compere at the Mayfair Centre at Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool and a keen member of Hartlepool golf club, continued to meet dignitaries on behalf of the club long after he retired.

His widow, Sheila, said: "He wanted to make it for our 50th wedding anniversary and his 70th birthday which would have been this year, but it wasn't to be. He was a very lovely man, full of life, and a lovely father and husband."

Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Stuart Drummond said: "Frankie was a true gentleman, the sort of bloke everyone in the town knew and got along with really well.

"He was a real character, always bubbly and full of life. He was recently deservedly recognised by the council for over 50 years service in the community.

"He touched and brightened up the lives of so many people and his loss leaves the town a sadder place. I'm sure he will be looking down on us and cracking a few jokes up there."

Maureen Smith, senior administrator at Hartlepool United, said: "He will be missed not only at the football club but throughout the whole town."

Players will wear black arm bands before their home game against Brentford on Saturday.

His funeral takes place at 11am at St Paul's Church, Grange Road, Hartlepool, on Thursday.