A FLORAL tribute in Reading FC colours has sparked a mystery on the south coast.

Former Reading Chronicle sports editor Roger Ware was walking his dogs in Barton-on-Sea near Bournemouth when something caught his eye.

Ware, a life-long Royals fan, explained: “I was walking along the clifftop past a shelter and on the seat was the most magnificent floral tribute to someone who was either a Royals fan, or an ex-player, who had passed on.

“The flowers on it are all real, some sprayed blue to make the coloured stripes, and the number ‘8’ in beautiful white roses, all mounted on a solid wood back.

“It must have cost a lot of money to make because of the intricate detail and flowers. There was no note or message, just the name ‘BOB’ and the Royals badge.”

Ware added: “Was Bob a fan who lived in Barton? Maybe he was once a Reading player who wore No.8 - although I can’t think of anyone living down this way other than Trevor Senior and Ronnie Blackman.

“Maybe he was a Reading fan who used to come down here to enjoy the lovely sea views at Barton.”

Ware is now appealing to Reading FC fans for more information: “Can anyone throw some light on this?

“Whatever, as we live just around the corner, I will keep an eye on it and make sure it’s treated with respect and moved when the flowers die."

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