FRIENDS and family of a football-mad teenager, who died in an attack outside a village club, have been asked to give him a red-and-white send-off.

Paul Smith's family have invited those attending his funeral in Thornley on Monday to turn up - not in the traditional black of mourning - but in the 18-year-old's favourite Sunderland colours.

Paul, of Thornlaw North, Thornley, near Peterlee, died of head injuries in an incident on September 8.

Football had been Paul's passion, and his parents Eddie and Anne Smith wish to reflect his love of Sunderland FC at his funeral, at the Sacred Heart and English Martys' RC Church, Thornley.

They ask those attending the Requiem Mass to wear Sunderland football tops or club colours.

John Norman, 28, of no fixed address, but formerly of Barnes Road, Murton, appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with the murder of Paul. He is also charged with assault causing actual bodily harm to Paul's brother Stephen, on the same night near Thornley Catholic Club.

The case was adjourned until October 9.

An inquest into the death of the teenager was opened and adjourned on Tuesday.