SOCCER suffered a Christmas tragedy with the death of Liam Daly, who died of hypothermia after a festive night out with work colleagues.

Liam, 30, was a founder member of Keighley Phoenix football club and continued playing with the team until it folded just three weeks ago.

He worked with club colleague, Paul Smith, as a driver at the Bradford branch of Calor Gas suppliers Towler and Staines.

Three years ago he married Catherine Bearpark, the daughter of the Rev John Bearbark, former vicar of St Stephen's church, Steeton, and they moved to Guiseley.

On the Saturday before Christmas he met up with colleagues, ten-pin bowling at Bradford's Hollywood Bowl before they went on to a Chinese restaurant. He returned home shortly after midnight and was last seen by a friend as he tried to open the door.

He was found by a neighbour just before 9.30am the following morning and appeared to have slipped into a small stream near his home. An inquest into his death was opened by the Leeds coroner and police have been carrying out an investigation but said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Liam was brought up in Keighley where he attended Calversyke school before moving on to Greenhead School.

It was there that he started attending the school youth club which was run by teacher Mike Breeze with the help of Paul Smith. They formed a 5-a-side football team, playing their first match against a girls team needing practise after playing their way through to the national final of a girls' compeititon.

The team of 12 and 13-year-olds went on to play in the Craven Junior League and stayed together throughout their youth football campaign. As they grew older the friends decided to stay together and took the team into the open age leagues.

At first they played in the Keighley Alliance Sunday league and then decided to move into Saturday football.

After joining the West Riding County Amateur League they went on to become one of the most successful amateur teams in the district. After starting in the third division they worked they way up through the league structure and two years ago were crowned champions of the County Amateur League.

Liam also continued to play Sunday football with Keighley Shamrocks.

After leaving school he trained as a dry stone waller and landscape gardener, a trade which he continued in his spare time.

He was also involved with voluntary work taking needy people to a swimming club.

His mother, Marlene, still lives in Keighley and Liam has a sister, Rebecca, and brother, John.

"Liam's death has stunned everyone in the local soccer world. He was one of the players that was as friendly with the opposition as with his own team - we just can't believe it," said team mate and childhood friend, Martin Ross.

Paul Smith, who had been with him on the night out before his death added: "He was fantastic friend to everyone as well as a colleague. He got on well with all the staff and customers and our thoughts are with his wife and family."

A funeral service is to be held today (Friday) at St Oswald's Church, Guiseley, at 1pm, followed by cremation. Friends are also invited to meet at Steeton Hall later in the afternoon to celebrate his life.