One of Brighton and Hove Albion's longest-serving fans was stunned to read of his own death in his matchday programme.

The club paid tribute to season ticket-holder Cyril Wall, 79, from Worthing, unaware he was still alive and kicking.

The obituary should have referred to 80-year-old Cyril Wall from Polegate, whose widow Pamela had contacted the club to pay tribute.

The club assumed she meant the Worthing Cyril and gave his age and referred to his hobby of writing letters about Albion to The Argus.

The accidental error was unfortunately repeated by Albion's supporters club, which included the tribute in its latest monthly newsletter.

People who knew both Mr Walls were confused, until The Argus established there were two supporters with the same name.

North Stand season ticket-holder Mr Wall, of Dawes Close, Worthing, said he was initially amused until he discovered there was a Cyril Wall who had died.

He said: "I was tempted to say the club was very remiss, they could at least have phoned to tell me I was dead.

"But I am very sorry for the lady whose husband has died. I accept that mistakes get made."

He attended his first Albion match in 1935 aged 12 and was one of 11 long-serving fans paraded on the Withdean pitch in October 2001 to mark the club's centenary.

Pamela Wall, of Fairlight Close, Polegate, said: "The club sent me a copy of the programme with the wrong details but I didn't want to make a fuss.

"I thought it must have been more upsetting for the other Cyril Wall who was still alive.

"My husband used to see his letters and comment on how they had the same name."

She said her husband was a devoted Albion fan from the age of five.

The mistake was made in the programme for Albion's recent home game against Millwall.

Chief executive Martin Perry said: "We are pleased to hear the other Mr Wall is alive and well but our sympathies go out to the widow of the original Mr Wall."

Tim Carder, chairman of the supporters' club, phoned Mr Wall to apologise.