HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to pay tribute to a father-of-two who died on New Year's Day following a confrontation with a gang of youths.

Tears flowed in St Mark's Church, Marske, east Cleveland, during the football-themed funeral of 52-year-old Ron Sharples yesterday.

Mr Sharples, of Charnwood Close, Marske, died following a confrontation with the gang while he was looking for his black and white collie, Charlie, who had run away after being scared by fireworks.

He left his home at 2am and was found unconscious in Inglewood Avenue, Marske, at 2.10am.

Residents said a group of drunken teenagers had been in the street at the time of the incident.

Two 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old have been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail until March 3 while inquiries continue.

Ambulance service bosses said a hoax 999 caller, who reported an overdose incident, delayed the ambulance on its way to help Mr Sharples as he was dying in Inglewood Avenue.

Mr Sharples was a lifelong Boro fan who went to most games, including the Uefa Cup final against Seville.

His family, including wife Christine, son Lee and daughter Karen, asked people to make soccer-linked tributes at his funeral service.

Mourners turned out wearing Boro scarves, while the hearse carrying Mr Sharples' coffin displayed red and white flowers spelling out the words, Boro, Dad and Son.

The packed congregation honoured Mr Sharples, a grandfather of twins, who was popular and respected in his community.

The funeral was followed by a burial at Guisborough Cemetery.

Speaking after the incident, his daughter, Karen, said: "He has done so much for me and Lee and has made us the people we are today.

"He adored his grandchildren and it is dreadful he will not be here to guide them through life the way he guided us. He lived for his family and leaves a void which can never filled."

Lee, who lives in Skelton, east Cleveland, with his fiancee, Elizabeth Greensmith, 23, and 19-month-old twin daughters, Hannah and Eve, said after the incident: "I know my dad would not have got involved in any confrontation. He was a sweet, quiet and calm man, who would not harm anyone.

"He did not like arguments or confrontation. I think he would have tried to calm a volatile situation."

The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of Mr Sharples' family.