FRIENDS have shared a poignant video of James Dean 'who loved a laugh', following his tragic death at the age of just 35.

Tributes have been paid on social media to the former striker who had spells at Padiham and Chorley.

The popular non-league footballer's body was found in the Moscow Mill Street area of Oswaldtwistle on Sunday.

He had been missing for several days and Lancashire Police said his death was "not being treated as suspicious".

In the video, Dean is doing 'Carschool' where they sing 'Forever in Blue Jeans' by Neil Diamond and then he appears in a wrestling mask.

Dixon Lambert replied on Twitter and said: "What a great memory that is."

And Christopher Dixon wrote: "These videos just show he was a big character and loved a laugh."

Paying tribute, Robert Kinsella said: "I can’t stop watching this. What a good guy. So wish we crossed paths. R.I.P big man."

Meanwhile Chorley FC manager Jamie Vermiglio has posted an emotional tribute on the club's website.

He said: "I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Deano’s family and friends, and in particular his two boys. This is a devastating time for anyone who has known Deano, but particularly for those loved ones and close family and friends who he leaves behind.

"Deano joined Chorley FC in 2013 and scored more than 50 times in over 100 appearances. I was very fortunate to get to know him as a person and a player, and during this time he was pivotal as we won the Northern Premier League title in 2014 before going on to reach the National League North playoff final a year later.

"He was a typical number 9 – and most managers at this level of football want a number 9 like James Dean.

"In fact, most managers would say exactly that; ‘We need a striker like James Dean’. The truth is, unless you’ve been with James Dean as a player, coach or manager you wouldn’t actually know that you were inheriting a lot more than just your ‘typical number 9’. On the pitch and off the pitch.

"The usual singing initiation after joining a new club would, for some, be nerve wracking. For Deano, who thought he was the best singer in the world, it was like a dream come true.

"He would usually start sitting down and before long he was throwing his hands in the air and inviting his team mates to join in. And they would.

"His charisma was integral to the teams he played in and this was evident at Chorley FC, where he not only helped younger players, but inspired all around him. Sometimes ‘Team Spirit’ is superficial, it needs to be developed.

"But with Deano it was natural; he could singlehandedly galvanise a team just by being there.

"Adam Roscoe wrote “you always felt safe with Deano, whether you were on the pitch or off it.” He most definitely had an ‘aura’ about him and with him on your team (in every sense of the word), you had a chance.

"He could certainly handle himself; his sheer strength coupled with his innate desire to succeed was at times, unstoppable. On the pitch he was aggressive, relentless and tough. Off the pitch and around the club; extremely sensitive, caring and a gentleman.

"Central to the jokes and ‘banter’ of the changing room – Deano would have the team in stitches by sharing videos, often of himself, just being daft and ridiculous. Other occasions he would sit back, show his strong character and give a nod of reassurance to some of his team mates.

"Always willing to help around the club, he would inspire young supporters, speak to anyone who wanted to talk to him and give up his time for local charities or to pack bags at the local Morrisons.

"That’s why he was loved so much. He was a proper person who gave his heart and soul for whoever he was representing. Deano! Deano! Deano! would be the most common song heard around Victory Park. Whether he made a tackle, protected a team mate, scored a screamer or missed a sitter; he was loved. He will always be loved.

"He would be humbled to read the amazing tributes pouring in from all over social media. The videos and messages of support will, no doubt, go some way to let Deano’s family, especially his boys, know, if they didn’t already, just how adored he was by thousands of people who may not have even had the privilege of meeting him.

"He will always be remembered at Chorley FC.

"RIP Deano."