Keighley'S soccer world paid tribute to one of the local game's most colourful characters this week, following the death of Paul Storton.

Paul, who died just two days before his 32nd birthday, played for the Keighley Shamrock's football team and was a life long supporter of Manchester United.

His coffin was draped in a Manchester United flag during a funeral service on Wednesday, when St John's Church, Ingrow, was packed with friends and team mates.

Paul, was better known by his nickname 'Tom', which he was given as a child when he was known as 'Tom Thumb' because of his small stature.

He was a pupil at Grange First School and also attended Ingrow, Nessfield, Bronte and Oakbank schools. He worked for Harrison & Clough.

In his youth Paul was a talented cross country runner, but his real passion was football, whether as a player or a supporter of Manchester United. He followed his favourite club to major championships and was at the Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona when they beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the 1999 European Cup Final, which is rated one of football's greatest games.

As a player Paul represented Keighley Lifts and was captain of both Keighley Juniors and Keighley Shamrocks who finished fourth in the County Amateur League's first division.

His infectious enthusiasm for the game made him a perfect team captain, but in private he was haunted by a darker side to his personality. His body was discovered by his brother, Mark, at their home last week.

His parents, Les and Pat Storton moved to Ulverston, Cumbria, several years ago but the family remained close.

Keighley Shamrocks manager Andy Gaughan said the club was stunned by Paul's death. "It is an absolute tragedy and the changing room will seem an empty place without him.

"He was the life and soul of the team and will be greatly missed by everyone in local football," he said.