A FORMER professional boxer who helped raise £1,800 for the Mayor's Charity has been found dead in a caravan, poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes from a heater.

Romany Johnny Price, 27 -- who recently appeared at a 'Stars in Your Eyes' concert at the Monaco Ballroom, Hindley -- was discovered in a caravan at Middlewich, Cheshire. He was to be best man at his friend's wedding.

This week, the Mayor, Cllr Evelyne Smith, paying tribute to Mr Price from Farnworth, said: "He was such good fun - a larger than life character. I just can't believe what's happened.

"He was due to come to the Mayor's Parlour later this week along with the other 'Stars' winners. It's all very sad."

Mr Price had also been due to be best man at the wedding of a tragic bride-to-be who collapsed and died from a heart attack just a few weeks ago.

Mr Price is believed to have returned to the caravan with fish and chips after a night out. Before going to bed, it is thought he locked the windows and doors and turned on the heater.

But it is thought lethal carbon monoxide fumes were given out from the heater and Mr Price's body was discovered in the caravan by a relative.

Mr Price, who portrayed Twenties entertainer Al Jolson at the Monaco, as wellknown on the charity circuit for singing, dancing and playing the guitar.