Fans of Darlington Football Club have paid tribute to Busby Babe Ray Wood, who began his career in the North-East.

The goalkeeping legend, who was bought by Manchester United from Darlington at the age of 18, died on Sunday at the age of 71, after suffering heart problems.

Born in Hebburn, on Tyneside, he started at Newcastle United, but never played any matches and was soon signed by the Quakers in September 1949.

Although he only played 12 games for Darlington he made a big impression, despite conceding 19 goals, and was snapped up by Manchester United in December 1949.

His last match for Darlington was against Bradford City in a Third Division clash, which Darlington won 4 - 3.

But he earned his reputation at Manchester United, and went on to play in the team's first match in the European Cup, against Anderlecht of Belgium, which they won 2 -1 in Brussels.

He was one of the Manchester United players to survive the Munich air crash.

Frank Tweddle, Darlington Football Club historian, said: "Although he only played for Darlington for a short time, we are very proud that he began his career here, and went on to become a Busby Babe, he was a great player."

His death comes at the same time as Middlesbrough legend Ralph Birkett, who died at the age of 89, at his home in Torquay.

He won an England cap against Ireland in 1935, but after suffering a hamstring injury, his place was taken by Stanley Matthews. He made 101 appearances for Boro and was signed by Newcastle United for £6,000 in July 1938.