FOOTBALLERS competing for a trophy in memory of a friend who died from a drugs overdose have given their backing to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph anti-drugs campaign.

Shaun Guthrie played for both Belvedere and Prairie clubs and good friend Paul Skelton said: "He was a fantastic footballer. He used to play in goal but could be out in defence or midfield. He was a good all rounder.

"But he was also a party animal, and that cost him his life."

Shaun died in August, 1995, aged 20.

"We set up the football match last year between the two teams he played for in memory of Shaun and also to make people more aware of the effects drugs can have," added Paul, a former soldier.

"I fully support the Telegraph's campaign. People who are pushing drugs should be reported and they should be stopped.

"I have seen what they can do. I would rather have a beer - at least that is legal." Paul, 31, and wife Samantha, live at Waterbarn Street, Burnley.

He and Belvedere's Paul Day organised the match at Belvedere's ground.

Samantha's father, Alan Judd, landlord of the Prairie, contacted Bass and got the brewery to sponsor a trophy for the match.

He said: "I can still remember the day he died because he was supposed to be playing a match and had not turned up. I was cursing him and later found out he had died in a house party in Brierfield.

"He was a very good friend and it was quite a big shock. This is something we must keep on telling people: Drugs are bad news."

Shaun died after taking Ecstasy and morphine sulphate tablets.

His parents, Steve and Helen, attended the football match to support the teams' anti-drugs campaign.

Prairie retained the trophy by beating Belvedere 4-1.

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