THE grieving son of former Burnley footballer David Holt spoke today of how his father found happiness after making a fresh start in New Zealand.

Businessman Paul Holt said his father, who died at the weekend, had found a renewed zest for life after leaving the UK five years ago along with Burnley-born wife Avrille after his business floundered.

David Holt, 61, who ran a courier business in Wellington, collapsed and died of a heart attack on Sunday while out on his rounds.

Paul, 30, who runs a hygiene supply business in Didcot, Oxfordshire, said: "Dad was a local lad who grew up to fulfill his dream of playing for his home town.

"I am sure he'll be remembered by a lot of people in the town and he will be sorely missed not just by his family but by everyone who knew him.

"Although he had some problems with business over here he went to New Zealand and made a fresh start for himself. For the last five years he has been really happy out there."

David Holt, originally from Padiham, made 110 appearances with Burnley after signing from Oldham in 1980. He had also played for Bury.

He quit playing in 1983 and went into business. He ran David Holt Plastics, Carrs Industrial Estate, Haslingden, which recycled polythene waste.

In 1988, a 25-year-old worker died when he was dragged head first into a shredding machine.

David Holt and a second director faced manslaughter charges. David Holt's not guilty plea was accepted by the prosecution, with the judge letting the charge lie on file.

The second director admitted manslaughter and was given a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, and fined £5,000.

The manslaughter prosecution was the first to be brought in this country as a result of a workplace accident.

Both directors and the company were fined for Factory Act and health and safety offences.

In April 1991 a massive blaze engulfed the plastics factory causing £1million damage.

Seven weeks later a spark from demolition workers' cutting gear set off another major blaze which caused further damage to the factory.

In 1995 the company ceased trading with the loss of 15 jobs, and administrative receivers were called in.

David Holt leaves wife Avrille, sons Paul and Shaun, mother Gladys, brother Norman and sister Susan and grandchildren Charlie and Ryan.