THE heartbroken colleagues of a late postman are hoping to organise a poignant gesture to bid farewell to their much-loved friend.

Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for loyal Barrow AFC supporter, dedicated postman, and much-loved dad Stuart Metcalfe who has died at the age of 57.

Stuart was husband to Cheryl, dad to Laura and Stephanie, step-dad to Laura, Becky, Adam and Sophie and grandad to Imogen, Awais and Polly

A devoted postman of 25 years, Stuart was known for delivering mail across Barrow and Dalton during his decades of service.

He was also known for his life-long support of the Bluebirds which he shared with his wife of five years Cheryl.

Since news of his death, the postal community in Barrow feel ‘numb’ – and are hoping to bid farewell to their late colleague in a special way.

READ MORE: Dedicated Barrow postman and Barrow AFC supporter Stuart Metcalfe dies

Close friend and colleague Stuart McQueen said: “Stuart was a close friend of mine, we went to school together. It is hard to put into words how much he will be missed by myself and all his colleagues.

“He was known, and was liked by so many people. I wasn’t in work last week but have been told the mood was very sombre. People are just numb.

“We are hoping to do something on the day of his funeral if possible, like lining all the Royal Mail vehicles up along Cemetery Hill and standing by them as the funeral cortège makes its way to the chapel.

“Everybody would have a different story to tell about Stuart, how he would cheer them up or make them laugh. It’s a terrible tragedy. Our workplace will never be the same again without him.”

A spokesman for Barrow AFC said: “Everybody connected with Barrow Association Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Barrow fan Stuart Metcalfe. Our thoughts are with Stuart's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”

Stuart’s two daughters, Laura and Stephanie, described their late father as the ‘most loving and supportive dad’.

“He was a feisty character with a heart of gold, he would do anything for anyone.

“There's so much we could say about him, but there wouldn't be enough time or paper.

“But we will make sure we make him proud every day.

“He will be greatly missed and we have lost half of us the day he died.”

A spokesman for the Bluebirds Trust also paid tribute to Stuart - describing him as 'Barrow through and through'.

A spokesman said: "The words 'Terrace Legend' are often overused but I can't think of any other way to describe Stuart Metcalfe, who died last week aged 57.

"Our hearts go out to Cheryl and all his family and many friends. Last week you couldn't walk five minutes or scroll a minute online without hearing the sad news.

"That was a measure of the man. Meddy was well liked by all sections of the support, he'd have time for a drink and a chat with anyone. Meddy was Barrow through and through, from the Holker End to Rotherham, Bolton, Goole, Telford, Burton, Bristol, Wembley and hundreds more up and down the land.

"Always beside- never a backward step. He simply loved Barrow Soccer. His pals have organised a drink in his honour at The Ambrose from 12 on Saturday. On 57 minutes (no age is it?) against Orient, we would invite Holker Street to give him a well deserved minutes applause to show our appreciation and that our thoughts are with the family. RIP Meddy. All Bluebirds are blue."