Football fans have left flowers and scarves as a tribute to England legend Sir Stanley Matthews.

The former Stoke and Blackpool winger died in hospital aged 85 on Wednesday after a short illness.

Both Blackpool and Stoke city councils are to open books of condolences to football's first knight.

Flags were flying at half-mast at Stoke's Britannia Stadium and Blackpool's Bloomfield Road ground.

There will be a minute's silence before every game this weekend. Officials are also considering a tribute to Sir Stanley at Wembley when the national stadium is redeveloped.

The Queen said she would be sending a private tribute to Sir Stanley's family.

At the Britannia Stadium on Thursday, several floral tributes lay in the shadow of the main stand, with moving testimonies from fans.

One message read: "The world as well as football has lost a true gentleman. From Norma and Geoff (neighbours)."

A red and white Stoke City shirt had been hung on the entrance to the club offices with the tribute in black marker pen: "Stanley Matthews, from hero to legend ... Stoke's favourite son."

Outside the ticket office, supporters hung a makeshift banner saying: "We love you Sir Stan."

A steady stream of floral tributes and Stoke City memorabilia was also laid at the Sir Stanley Matthews statue in Hanley, erected in 1987 as a lasting monument to the player's contribution to the town.

Hero

Retired railway worker Sam Rhodes, 69, went to the same Wellington Road School as Sir Stanley.

"When I was at school in the 40s he was in his prime," he said. "He was a hero then and is a hero now. There can't be enough tributes in my estimation."

Football stars past and present have also paid tribute to Sir Stanley.

After last night's 0-0 draw at Wembley, England captain Alan Shearer said Sir Stanley had been "synonymous with English football".

Sir Tom Finney, Sir Stanley's England team-mate, said he had many great memories of the man who had such a startling impact on the game.

Startling impact

"Stan was the greatest in my era in terms of close control," he added.

"In those days you weren't expected to go back and tackle and his game was attacking the full-back.

"I can recall on so many occasions him having great games for England."

Former England manager Sir Walter Winterbottom said: "Stan was very fit and one thing he had was that he was very quick off the mark.

"Wingers in those days just stayed on the wing and Stan had that unique way of dribbling past people."

Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "Sir Stanley was, and will always, remain one of the all-time sporting greats. He was not only one of the finest players this country has ever seen, he was also a model sportsman who played the game as it should be played, never booked or sent off once.

"Football fans the world over have this evening lost one of their heroes."

Sir Stanley's funeral will be arranged by Stoke City Football Club and his family.