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Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Merseyrail employee who died after suffering from coronavirus.

The station attendant was named locally as Brian Boggild, a worker at Blundellsands and Crosby station.

Commuters took to social media to pay tribute to Brian, a hugely popular figure among regular station users.

On Monday Jane English, People Director at Merseyrail said: "I can confirm that a member of our stations team, based at Blundellsands and Crosby station has sadly passed away after suffering from COVID-19.

"Everyone here at Merseyrail is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of a well respected colleague and friend.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the colleague in question and we will be respecting their wish for privacy at this extremely difficult time.

Many people paid tribute to Brian on Twitter as news of his death emerged on social media.

Frank Cotrell-Boyce, the screenwriter and children's fiction author tweeted: "If you ever used Blundellsands @merseyrail you'll be devastated to hear Brian has died.

"He made life a bit better for everyone he served. Nothing too much trouble, always interested.

"He was the smile at the start of the grimmest journey. Now he's gone on the longest journey."

Simon Hughes, football writer for the The Athletic, tweeted: "Very sorry to hear this. Brian was such a spirited character.

"He'll be missed by a lot of people."

Kevin Halewood tweeted: "This is so very sad.

"For over 20 years from my University of Liverpool days to now my working life, I was greeted by Brian on his shifts.

"He was always cheerful and had time for a chat. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Martin Finnigan tweeted: "Such sad news. Brian was a lovely man, so helpful each time I was buying a ticket at B&C or getting one of the kids their railpass for school.

"Always had time for a chat, discussing the finer points of Liverpool or Everton's season mostly. Oh to still be able to chat to him. RIP."