BURY Football Club’s president – and lifelong Shakers fan – Fred Mason has died.

Mr Mason, a former director and chairman at the club, died early on Friday morning following a long illness.

A statement from the club on its website said: “It is with extreme sadness that we report the death of Fred Mason.

“Our deepest condolences are offered to wife Julie, his family and friends of Fred.”

Mr Mason was at Shakers’ recent game with Burton Albion, where he named Nicky Adams as his man of the match.

The club added: “Fred’s last visit to the gournd was to see his beloved Shakers reach the top of the league table, something that would have given him great delight.”