MORE than 500 mourners packed the funeral of a popular football fan nearly six months after he was found collapsed in a Rawtenstall street.

The Rev Ron Phillips paid tribute to David James Taylor at the funeral but slammed the judicial system for making his family wait so long to lay him to rest.

The funeral of David, 25, of Greendale Avenue, Newchurch, took place at St Nicholas' Church, Newchurch, yesterday.

The cortege was led by a Goldwing Motorcycle Club where David and some of his family were members.

The well-known football supporter who was a regular face at Rossendale United FC.

Representatives from Rossendale United, Bacup Borough, and Rossendale Council leader Graham Pearson all attended the funeral. A floral tribute in the shape of a football, from all the team at Rossendale United, was among an array of flowers from family and friends.

David's death sent shockwaves through the Valley and united football clubs in the Unibond Division One, many of which held a period of silence in his memory.

He leaves mum Caroline, 46, dad David, 49, twin brother James and Robert, 22.

David was discovered outside The Works hair salon, in Bank Street, just before midnight by a passer-by in July and he later died in Burnley General Hospital.

Mr Phillips, reading the eulogy, said: "I came here with divided feelings - one side wants to make me shout and ask lots of questions.

"How can his family be made to wait for so long before being allowed to come to this point in their lives when most of the world around them want to get into the celebratory, festive mood?

"Having to go through this experience after such a long drawn out ordeal - after six months - shows up the system in its true light.

"A young man has lost his life and his family's lives will never be the same again. David would never hurt anyone and we know folk would agree with it. He had a smile for anyone and would do anything for anyone."

Mr Phillips told the packed funeral how David had succeeded in gaining two A-Levels in English language and English literature, despite having some learning difficulties.

He added: "He ran the Taylor household, he did most of the housework and so many of the odd jobs that it's only now that his family realised how much he did do.

"He was a football referee and was even given an award by the league for his enthusiasm and dedication.

"David used to visit people who were ill or alone just for a chat. He was happy to go to the shop for someone who couldn't easily get there. What an example he is to all of us."

The funeral was followed by a cremation at Burnley Crematorium with a gathering being held for family and friends at Rossendale United Football Club, Dark Lane, Newchurch.

Andrew McDonald, 18, of Granby Road, Manchester, will appear at Preston Crown Court on January 9 charged with the manslaughter of David. A trial date has been set for February 9.