TRIBUTE has been paid to much-loved Victoria Hirst from Muscliffe, who died suddenly on May 22 at just 43 years old.

A lifelong supporter of Cherries Football Club, Victoria was passionate about sport and train travel, following in the footsteps of her family, including her grandfather who supported the Cherries for 98 years.

Victoria's aunt, Julia Symons who lives in Bransgore, said: "I was very close to my parents, my sister Eileen and my niece, Victoria. We became even closer to Victoria following the death of Eileen in 2016. Victoria loved all sport, not only supporting Bournemouth FC but also Liverpool FC and the Poole Pirates.

"And she loved train travel. Victoria enjoyed visiting different parts of the country and especially if she could travel by train. Victoria was a large part of our lives and we will miss her deeply."

Victoria was born at the former Royal Victoria Hospital in Boscombe in 1976 and attended Summerbee School and Bournemouth School for Girls before studying media at Luton University.

She lived with her mum, Eileen, next door to her grandparents in Muscliffe. Victoria worked at Poole Hospital as a medical records clerk, a job her aunt, Julia, said she loved.

The private funeral service was held on Thursday June 11.

All enquiries to Harry Tomes Ltd, Boscombe BH1 4LA