A regional journalist who went on to become the “voice” of a football club as its stadium announcer has died aged 92.

Tributes have been paid to Bernard Gent, who worked for the Northern Echo and Teesside Gazette during his career.

Bernard became better known as the stadium announcer at Middlesbrough FC’s former Ayresome Park home.

The Middlesbrough-based Gazette splashed on his death yesterday, pictured below.

Former Yorkshire Post cartoonist Graeme Bandeira, a Middlesbrough supporter, posted on Twitter: “Really sad news about Bernard Gent.

“The voice of Ayresome Park. Gent by name, gent by nature.

“Had the pleasure of meeting him several times and he always told me an interesting stat about a player. You think of Ayresome Park and you think of him.”

The club, nicknamed Boro, said in a statement: “As long-serving matchday announcer at our former home of Ayresome, Bernard was synonymous with Boro for generations of supporters.

“From the mid 1960s, Bernard hosted Radio Ayresome from a ‘studio’ on the south terrace, and he was also responsible for introducing Boro’s iconic run-out theme, The Power Game, which welcomed the players to the pitch for almost 30 years.

“Bernard’s distinctive voice would greet fans with his catchphrase, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to Ayresome Park,’ as well as announcing the teams and goalscorers.

“Our condolences go to Bernard’s family and friends.”

Bernard began his career in 1946 when he joined the Darlington-based Echo’s Middlesbrough office aged 17.

He trained initially as a news reporter but in time also covered sport and especially Middlesbrough FC games, speedway and cricket.

His love of cars led to him taking over the position of motoring correspondent in the 1960s.

Bernard remained in that role long after his retirement from full-time work in 1992 and he also served in a freelance capacity as editor for the Challenger, a community magazine for Middlesbrough, as well as spending 18 months as public relations officer for North Yorkshire County Council.

Bernard was a founding member of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers in 1973, serving as its chairman from 1990 to 1992.

He remained the group’s treasurer until last year.

In a statement, NGMW said: “He will be much missed by us and his many industry friends.

“We will raise a glass or two in your honour.”