Touching tributes have been left to the founder of a popular fundraising festival after he died aged 62.

Steve Rogers, known as Steve Ferringo the founder of Ferringo Fest in Bury, died on Friday, October 4 after suffering with cancer.

The frontman of The Steve Ferringo Band started the fundraising festival in support of cancer charities Macmillan and NorthCare after the death of his wife Ange Rogers in April 2015.

Steve was diagnosed with cancer below his ear just a month after Angela’s death and underwent successful treatment.

But around 18 months ago cancer returned to his spine and lungs, which led to his death last week.

Mick Kiernan, a guitarist in the band who played alongside Steve for more than 30 years, remembers Steve as a "fun guy" to be around.

He said: "It was not just about music with Steve, it was about fun.

"He told jokes on stage and liked to get the crowd involved.

"I am not surprised about the amount of tributes there have been for him, he was so well liked.

"When he announced the festival there was so many people who were willing to give up their time and help him for nothing.

"I don't think it would have got off the ground if Steve was not behind it. We did it for Steve.

"Everybody is just numb after hearing about his passing."

Steve, whose sister Crissy died in January, leaves behind his partner Pam Wild - who were "perfect for each other" - his son Matthew, who lives in Perth in Australia, and three grandchildren.

After touring for around 20 years with his band he went on to set up a fire extinguishing service company, Essar.

This year's edition of the festival was held at Elton Vale Sports Club, on Elton Vale Road.

It was the sixth Ferringo Fest with three events either side of a pause during the pandemic.

A spokesperson for Elton Vale Sports Club said: "Steve was not only the greatest showman but also one of the kindest and most wonderful individuals you could ever meet. As the host venue for his beloved Ferringo Fest over the past several years we had the honour of assisting Steve in raising thousands for his chosen charities - a testament to his boundless generosity. 

"Our relationship with Steve wasn't just in a professional capacity, he was also a dear friend, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time."

Steve was involved in a number of other fundraising festivals, such as Glaston-Bury, the fundraiser for Bury Hospice which is in the town centre every August Bank Holiday.

A post on social media by its organisers - Chris Buckley, Laura Higginson and Lyndsey Hopkinson - said it will not be the same without him when it returns in a year's time.

They said: "We love Steve immensely, and we can't begin to say how much we will miss him. Glaston-Bury will not be the same without his positive energy, endless support, big hugs, and happy smile.

"As well as being our friend, cheerleader, and confidant, he brought tons of happiness to Glaston-Bury both on stage and off stage, and we give thanks for every single second that we knew him."

To donate to Macmillan go to macmillan.org.uk. To donate to NorthCare go to northcarecharity.org.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.