GARY Walton expected to enjoy an ordinary evening out, drinking around the pubs of Coundon, County Durham, on Sunday, July 16.

Instead, the father-of-two would never make it back to the home he shared in the village with his wife, Susan.

Gary had been drinking in the Miners Arms along with murderer Christy McGrath. On the surface they had a great deal in common. They were both talented sportsmen and came from close families. They both appeared to have fun-loving, easy-going natures. But there the similarities end.

Gary, a 37-year-old window cleaner, was well-respected in Coundon and friends said he had a wonderful sense of humour.

Maurice Flint, 45, who was secretary of both Coundon Three Tuns football team and Coundon WMC's team, where Gary had played, said: "I think he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"He liked a pint and a bit of gamble, like everybody else, and he just lived for life. It was one of those things where you never thought it would happen to him.

"I've known Gary since he was a boy and he was just one of the lads. He was fun-going and great company.

"He was an all-round athlete - anything you could name he would play it."

Gary played for the Newcastle United reserves and in 1981 won the club's Golden Boot for scoring 39 goals in the middle of a three-year spell with the Magpies.

After leaving Newcastle, Gary, known as Hoss, played for the Coundon teams for ten years.

Alan Shoulder, 48, is a former United player who helped set up a memorial fund for Gary's widow, Susan, and children Kara, eight, and Laura, 11. The trust fund has so far reached more than £14,500.

Alan said: "Everyone had the highest respect for Gary. The money we've got will go into a trust fund for the children and it does help a little bit knowing we're doing something.

"It's hard to keep it going throughout the year, but when you mention Gary's name people just want to join in.