A BOOK of condolence has been created for people to pay their respects to much-loved newsreader and former St Helens resident Tony Morris.

A private funeral service has been held for Tony, who died aged 57 of kidney cancer earlier this month.

The award-winning journalist was a well-known face having presented ITV’s regional news show for the past 17 years.

He died at Bury Hospice on Saturday, August 1, with his daughters by his side having been diagnosed with kidney cancer last year.

READ > St Helens' tributes to Tony Morris

ITV reported that there has been a huge outpouring of support for the hospice in Tony's memory, with £14,000 in donations being made and hundreds of cards and messages of goodwill sent from around the country.

 

Tony's professionalism and humour saw him become a popular figure across the region.

St Helens Star:

Tony with fellow Granada presenter Lucy Meacock

He had previously worked as a radio presenter and had served as an officer in the RAF and was a dad to two daughters, Natalie and Becky.

Born in Portsmouth, Tony had resided at North Road, St Helens for a spell during his life and became a popular well-liked figure in the town.

In 2005 he was even unveiled as a new signing for Saints - albeit only for April Fool's Day.

St Helens Star:

Tony 'signing for Saints'

Tony was featured in the Star when he visited schools in the town for events which included, in May 2012, when he gave a talk to Haydock English Martyrs School pupils.

He was also known to frequent The Turks Head pub on Cooper Street.

After his passing, people across St Helens paid tributes to Tony.

Ex-Saints captain Paul Sculthorpe said on Twitter: "Just heartbreaking watching that tribute to such a lovely man. Had the pleasure of many an interview with Tony and was always such an infectious character #RIPTony."

Now people can leave their own messages of goodwill on a digital book of condolence, which has already seen thousands of entries written.

To leave a message, click here.