TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular North-East football referee, who has died suddenly at the age of 42.

Stephen Riley, of Newton Aycliffe, was a familiar face on the region's non-league scene, having officiated at matches in the Northern and Wearside leagues for five years.

Mr Riley, a Manchester United fan, was educated in Newton Aycliffe and played for working men's clubs in the area, The Iron Horse pub and West Auckland.

His love of soccer continued a strong family tradition. His grandfather represented the England schoolboys' team and his uncle, Luke Raine, is director of football at Darlington FC.

Mr Raine said: "He will be sadly missed by a lot of people because he was a smashing lad who loved his family and loved his football."

Mr Riley leaves a wife, Vickie, children, Megan, nine, and Alex, seven.

A funeral service takes place in St Clare's Church, Newton Aycliffe, on Tuesday, at 12.15pm.