Carlisle United fans have donated a flag paying tribute to David Wilkes to the much-missed coach's family.

A large flag was created last year after the highly-respected Blues youth coach's death.

It featured an image of Wilkes with the words, 'Part of the fabric of the club' - a description of the coach given by manager Paul Simpson.

The flag, created through the Flags for United group, has been on show at Brunton Park and was also taken to Barnsley last week.

It was held aloft as fans of both Wilkes' former clubs took part in a period of applause in the 59th minute in memory of the popular 59-year-old.

Flags for United now say they have sent the flag to his family as a permanent mark of love and respect.

In a post on social media, Flags for United said: "Following the Barnsley game and the tribute to David Wilkes, I was contacted by his brother Matthew.

"Matthew could not have been any kinder with his words and was very grateful for the flag and the tribute to David.

"So here's a thank-you to all of you.

"Matthew offered to buy the flag off us, but as I'm sure many of you would agree, it wouldn't be right to accept money for something that means so much.

"Today the flag was sent down to Barnsley where his family will cherish it."

Many Blues fans have applauded the decision to hand the flag to Wilkes' family.

The large banner was created after a supporters' fundraising effort last year, in the wake of the coach's sudden passing in June.

Tributes have been paid at Barnsley, where he started his playing career, and at Carlisle, where he had a long and successful spell in United's youth set-up.

A bench in memory of Wilkes, donated by United's former players' association, has also been installed at Carlisle United in a new memory garden at Brunton Park.