THE FUNERAL service of a man from the Bradford district who died last month while on holiday in Greece will take place this week.

The service for 23-year-old Danny Kelly, of Haworth, will be held in Keighley Shared Church at 1pm on Friday, followed by a wake at the Octagon, in Sandbeds.

Mr Kelly, who was a keen amateur rugby player, drowned off the coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos on August 24. It is believed he was the victim of a serious assault and had fled into the sea to escape the attack. Greek police are investigating the circumstances of his death.

An inquest into his death opened on September 10 but was then adjourned.

No date can be set for the full inquest hearing until coroners officers in Bradford have received paperwork and other details from the Greek authorities.

Mr Kelly's stepfather, Tom Gallon, said: "The coroners office has asked the British Consul to request the papers off the Greeks, but otherwise it's still a waiting game.

"Everybody who wants to pay their respects is welcome to the funeral service."

MORE KEIGHLEY HEADLINES

Gary Baker, coach at Worth Village Rugby Club, confirmed this week that he is organising a memorial and fundraising rugby tournament, which will take place at the Keighley Cougars ground on Sunday, October 18.

The nine-a-side tribute tournament, which has been dubbed Danny's 9s, will feature six teams, including the two local sides Mr Kelly played for.

Mr Baker said: "Keighley Cougars are being good enough to allow us to use their club ground, and they've also supplied prizes for us to auction off.

"They have been really supportive and we're very grateful.

"It should be a real town effort for Danny and a good event for everyone. We will look to kick off at noon and we want as many people as possible from the Keighley area and the wider rugby league family to attend.

"We hope to have an auction after the game to raise more money for Danny's children."

A separate online fundraising appeal launched by Mr Kelly's friend Martin Spencer raised more than £4,200, smashing its original target to collect £1,000 for Mr Kelly's daughters.

Mr Kelly had played for Cowling Harlequins and Worth Village amateur rugby league teams. He was a former Holy Family Catholic School pupil and worked as a fabricator.

He had a 10-month-old daughter, Nora, and his partner is expecting another girl in November, who has been named Ivy.