Dad dies while playing football

Paul Ellis, 32, was training with his local league side Prairie United on Wednesday night when he collapsed. He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

Despite the best efforts of his team-mates and paramedics, who tried to revive him, Paul died in Burnley General Hospital.

The incident happened at around 7.40pm on the Prairie pitch, Colne Road, Burnley.

Paul's wife was today trying to come to terms with the death of her husband and caring for their young two-year-old son at their home in Tiverton Drive, Burnley.

She was too upset to speak today, but friends and team-mates have been quick to pay tribute to Paul.

Ray Holland, founder of Prairie United, said: "I've known Paul since he was a young lad and he was such a great guy. He was a wonderful sportsman who had been involved in the club since he was 16. He would have done anything to help anybody and he even helped us get our first strip when we formed.

"He had been helping out with management for the last couple of years and was a big part of this club and he'll be desperately missed. Everyone did everything they could to help him when he collapsed and the paramedics were first-class, but unfortunately no one could save him. I can't believe he's gone."

Glynn Skelton, leader of Burnley Boys' Club, a team Paul was closely involved in, said: "This is so sad. Paul was always very sporty and had been helping out with Prairie United on the management side for a while. I cannot believe he has gone for a game of football, but won't be going home.

"It's so hard to take in. I saw him shortly after training started and then I left.

"For a young lad just to drop dead is terrible. It makes you realise how precious life is.

"Paul was such a friendly guy, a happy go lucky sort of bloke, very popular in the changing rooms and just a pleasure to be around."

East Lancashire coroner's officer Bob Wilson said the exact cause of the death was being investigated.