Moving tributes from far and wide have poured in for popular young Skipton sportsman and shop manager Martin Hunn. He had just celebrated his 21st birthday.

His parents, Steve and Gill, described him as a "smashing lad", while his girlfriend Kelly Clarkson said he was a "really nice guy".

In a statement, Martin's family expressed their thanks to paramedics, hospital staff, police, friends, workmates and neighbours for all the "text messages, flowers, cards, kind words and hugs" they had received.

"We will continue to need your support for some time yet," they added.

Martin and Kelly had been together for 12 months and were saving for a home of their own. They had known each other for about three years.

Kelly said: "I loved him and he was a really nice guy.

"He was really nice to me and we had a lot of good memories together. I miss him so much, but I'm glad I knew him. He's been the nicest boyfriend I've ever had."

They met while working together at Stanforth's Celebrated Pork Pie Establishment in the town and Kelly, who is now a hairdresser, succeeded where his mum had failed in gradually shortening his long hair.

Robert Hart, who owns Stanforth's, had known Martin, or Marl, as he was affectionately known, and his family since he was a toddler and took him on as a Saturday assistant while the youngster was still at school.

"I watched him grow up," said Mr Hart, "all the way from him starting out as a helper, washing up and doing odd jobs, to the point where he was my right-hand man. People are just numb at the shock and we've had customers coming in in tears.

"Everyone got on with Martin, all the customers and everyone who works here. He had big smile and a big heart and he always gave everything - 110 per cent - in his work and his private life."

Staff and customers have joined friends in leaving tributes outside the shop on Mill Bridge, turning it into a shrine.

Born in Airedale General Hospital, Martin spent his early months in Castle Street before the family moved to their current home on Regent Avenue.

Together with his elder brother Graham and twin brother Stuart he attended Water Street Primary School.

He made a worthy impression in various school activities, most notably as goalkeeper for the school football team.

He moved to Aireville with his twin. Martin figured prominently in the school basketball teams, which won virtually all the district competitions.

And he won both Harrogate-Craven and North Yorkshire Schools titles in athletics. The latter achievement also saw him win his county colours for North Yorkshire. He completed a notable double of county honours when he represented West Yorkshire Schools at rugby.

Neither did Martin fall short in other aspects of school life, winning subject awards playing his part in the school's various fundraising activities.

His effort and discipline in training and group sessions have been praised by Water Street headmistress Jean McCrickard, former Aireville headmaster David Croll, head of games Ji Mukherjee, athletics coach Roger Ingham, John Thompson at Gargrave Football Club and Nick Gaines and Graham Southam at Wharfedale Rugby Club.

Martin also had a deep love of music, attending music festivals and, as a keen bass player, joining local group Incacell with friends Alan, Sam, Daniel and Josh.

Mr Croll said he was "deeply upset" to hear of Martin's death and remembered him as a well-liked and respected pupil.

He said: "He had a lot of friends in school and he was well-liked by the staff and the pupils alike. He was a credit to Aireville. It's just so incredibly sad and my thoughts are with his parents."

  • Matthew Nigel Carr, 21, of Moorview Way, Skipton, was remanded in custody when he appeared at Harrogate magistrates court on Monday charged with murder. He was remanded on bail and is due to make an appearance at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday.