THE children of a man who died as a result of a violent "game" have been praised for their courage during the year since his death.

Mature student Paul Simpson was killed in March last year by Alfred Welch, of Darlington, who had been playing a game in which he punched passers-by to see if he could knock them to the ground.

Welch hit Mr Simpson, 33, near his home in Darlington, causing him to bang his head on a kerb.

He died the next day, leaving his partner, Trisha Kelly, and children Leanne, now 11, and Ashleigh, seven.

But despite the odds and much to their mother's amazement, since losing their father, the girls have maintained their excellent academic record and have even raised money for other victims of crime.

Ms Kelly said: "These two have been more grown-up at times than me. They have been an amazing support - I call them my A-team."

Leanne has just finished at Rise Carr Primary School and is preparing to start at Hummersknot in the autumn, while Ashleigh is at Harrowgate Hill Junior School, all in Darlington.

Both have achieved high marks in their recent SATs exams thanks to the encouragement of their teachers.

Ms Kelly said: "Both schools have been really brilliant. I would like to thank all the teachers. I cannot believe how well the girls have done under the circumstances."

As well as leaving two little girls without a father, Paul's death robbed his family of any financial security.

Ms Kelly said: "We weren't insured, so when Paul was killed there was no income. I have had to remortgage the house and have only just been able to go back to work."

Fortunately, Mr Simpson's course at the University of Northumbria entitled his family to access Lionheart, the surveyors' benevolent fund.

Not only has the fund helped pay for day-to-day bills and even a holiday, but Lionheart representative Bena Kansara has also become a close friend.

The group arranged for Leanne and Ashleigh to collect their father's degree on his behalf.

Ms Kelly said: "Bena has been a saviour to us, as has Victim Support worker Sandra Watson. "When I couldn't even open the post, they helped me through.

"To show their gratitude to Victim Support, Ashleigh, Leanne and Trisha organised a sponsored swim and raised £140 for the group's work.

Ms Kelly said: "Paul will never be forgotten. We talk about him all the time and are always laughing at the good memories.

"Both Leanne and Ashleigh were daddy's girls and I see a lot of him in them. He adored them and he would be so proud of what they have achieved since his death. They are an inspiration."