TRIBUTES have been made to “passionate” Bolton Wanderers fan Phyllis Robb – one of the last survivors of the Burnden Park disaster.

The Victoria Grove resident, who died aged 102, was one of the people who escaped the crush at the old club ground in 1946 that took the lives of 33 fans and injured around 400.

One of the most famous images to emerge from the disaster was of Mrs Robb being carried to safety over the crowd.

Phil Mason, Bolton Wanderers club chaplain and head of the community trust, was deeply saddened by her death and described it as a “significant moment” in the club’s history.

The 52-year-old said: “She was somebody who was just so full of life and enthusiasm. She was a passionate Bolton Wanderers fan through and through and had a real love for life.

“She was a fantastic fan but she has this incredible link to the Burnden Park disaster with that iconic image of her being carried over the crowd.

“I think she will forever be a part of our history.”

The crush occurred during an FA Cup sixth round tie against Stoke City, with some estimates suggesting that 85,000 were in the ground, which should have held at least 20,000 fewer fans.

But despite the chaotic nature of the incident, Mrs Robb has previously stated that she felt relatively safe and secure after everyone had lifted her to safety.

Mr Mason said: “I spoke to her on a number of occasions about what happened on that day when she was carried over the crowd.

“She felt like she was quite safe with people looking after her at the time so she wasn’t too worried about herself at all.

“Obviously she was quite saddened about the people who lost their lives and were injured. That always stayed with her but she always remained positive.”

Mrs Robb attended an event at the Macron last year marking the 70th anniversary of the disaster, where she was presented with a commemorative shirt embroidered with the names of those who died. Her funeral is taking place in the West Chapel at Overdale at noon on Wednesday, February 1, before her ashes are scattered at the Macron.

Mr Mason will be conducting the service when they scatter the ashes. He said: “What will be important is to celebrate her wonderful life. She is part and parcel of the history of Bolton Wanderers.

“We very much pride ourselves on being a family club and it will be a lovely moment to be able to have a quiet time with her family and friends when we scatter her ashes pitch-side.”