THE father of a promising young footballer who died a year ago after taking Ecstasy told yesterday how he was still "reeling in disbelief".

Former York City player Gordon Staniforth also spoke of his determination to continue highlighting the perils of drugs to other youngsters.

Thomas Staniforth, who was a rising star at Sheffield Wednesday, died after collapsing outside a York nightclub.

Mr Staniforth, from Copmanthorpe, North Yorkshire, said that on the first anniversary of his son's death, he still missed him badly.

"To be honest, in the past few weeks I have probably been thinking about him more than ever," he said.

"I still cannot believe it has happened. It has just been an awful, awful year. The strain on all the family has been awful. It has affected all the relationships in our family. It has re-opened old wounds."

Mr Staniforth revealed he would be speaking this autumn to pupils at Manor School, York, and also Thomas' old school - Tadcaster Grammar - where he would be presenting a trophy for sporting achievement in his son's memory.