Mick was friendly person who was loved by everyone

Tributes have been paid to a keen Scunthorpe United supporter who has died at the age of 65.

Mick Thornton of Scunthorpe was well-known in the area as he used to sell the Scunthorpe Telegraph in the town centre and would always chat to everyone he sold it to.

He died in Scunthorpe General Hospital on Saturday, October 13, after a heart attack.

Dave Thornton, Mr Thornton's grandson, said: "Mick was born in Whitton and was the second eldest of seven children.

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"He left home soon after school to join the Navy – something he was very proud of.

"After contracting rheumatic fever he was unable to stay in the Armed Forces and after his convalescence went on to work on the steelworks.

"During this time, he met and fell in love with Christine Cliff, who he met when he and his friend were in the cafe of the then Scunthorpe Baths.

"The two of them went on to marry and were inseparable for the next 47 years."

Christine Thornton said: "I was sat in the cafe at the Baths having a drink when Mick and his friend came over. His friend initially fancied me and Mick liked my friend, but we swapped and then dated for a year before we got married.

"We married in the registry office on Frodingham Road and then moved into a house in Scunthorpe.

"He loved working at the steelworks and when he was made redundant he moved on to become a forklift driver.

"He liked seeing his grandchildren and did a lot of gardening.

"He was very friendly and everyone knew him.

"He loved football and used to be on the cameras at Scunthorpe United matches.

"He hardly ever missed a match and was a big fan.

"He was a great friendly person who was loved by everyone who knew him.

"I will miss him a lot."

Mr and Mrs Thornton had two sons, Paul and David, whom he idolised and nothing gave him more pleasure than his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family say that Mr Thornton worked hard all of his life and was a keen sportsman who played golf at any opportunity.

He was a member of the Fellowship of the Services, a former president of Frodingham Road Club and a committee member of Redbourn Club.

Grandson Dave said: "Mick was a well-respected and loyal friend to many people and will be very much missed by all his family, work colleagues and friends."

Mr Thornton's funeral will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 25 at Woodlands Crematorium, Scunthorpe.

A wake will take place afterwards at the Redbourn Club in Scunthorpe, to which anyone who knew him is welcome.