TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of Manchester City super fan Helen "the bell" Turner.

Helen, 85, was a regular at Maine Road for more than 30 years, ringing her bell and cheering on the Blues through good and bad times.

She was a fanatical supporter all her life and a favourite with the fans and players. She died on Friday after a series of illnesses, which meant she had to use a wheelchair in her most recent match-day appearances.

Former City player Gary Owen said: "From the first day I walked into the club she was always there.

"No one will be able to replace her. She had been ill recently, but she was very charitable and always doing things for other people. She will be missed by everyone at the club."

Ovation

Helen was given a standing ovation on the day she rang time on 80 years of football history when the Blues moved from Maine Road to Eastlands in 2003.

Her proudest moment came when she was invited on to the pitch to do a lap of honour with the team when City won the League Cup in 1976.

Fans will remember Helen for her friendship with goalie Joe Corrigan. She sat behind his goal in the Old North Stand and they would often chat. Helen would give him a sprig of lucky heather before each match.

A flower-seller, with a stall outside Manchester Royal Infirmary, Helen was a keen charity fund-raiser and could be seen collecting in her wheelchair at Maine Road. She is believed to have lived alone in Ardwick.

The club has asked fans to email their memories of Helen and her bell to mcfc@mcfc.co.uk so they can be published on the website.

A minute's silence will be observed in Helen's memory at the home game against Chelsea in December.

Do you have fond memories of Helen Turner? Have your say.