THE body of one of the Newcastle United fans killed when their plane was apparently shot down over Ukraine has been returned to the North-East.

John Alder, 63, from Deckham, Gateshead, died alongside fellow fan Liam Sweeney when Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 was brought down over the war-torn country on July 17, killing all 298 people on board.

The two dedicated Magpies supporters were flying to New Zealand to watch their team play a pre-season friendly.

Mr Alder’s family, who live in Darlington, hope to finally lay him to rest in a private funeral in the next week or so.

Today (Thursday, October 23) the family released a statement through Durham Police, whose family liaison officers are supporting them.

They said: "The family of MH17 victim John Alder would like it to be known that John's body has now been returned to Gateshead and would like to express their gratitude for all the support and good wishes received during this long and difficult period.

“Preparations are now being made for a private funeral service for John's family and friends later this month."

The body of Mr Alder, who was known as The Undertaker because he always wore a suit to matches, was identified in Holland in late August.

Mr Alder had not missed a Newcastle game since 1973.

In July his family issued a statement through police saying: "We are struggling to comprehend what has happened but we are touched and moved by your kind words, acts and the knowledge that so many people saw John for who he was: a kind, courteous man who was much loved as a son, brother, uncle and fan.”

Mr Sweeney, 28, was laid to rest in August with the scarf and shirt of his beloved team following a service at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Newcastle. Among the mourners were Newcastle United representatives including manager Alan Pardew, captain Fabricio Coloccini, managing director Lee Charnley and former Newcastle player Bob Moncur.

Footballing rivalries were also set aside as Micky Horswill, Sunderland’s 1970s FA Cup hero, also attended, and Sunderland fans raised more than £28,000 in memory of the pair.

Pro-Russian rebels fighting Ukranian forces in the east of the country have been accused of shooting down the plane.