A DEVOTED family man, John Paul Robertson was described by friends as the life and soul of the party.

His funeral last year brought scores of mourners to St Cuthbert's Church, in Darlington, to remember "a loving and caring husband and father" with a great sense of humour.

A mass of floral tributes were taken to the church and those who attended the service heard warm tributes to the 37-year-old father-of-one.

The Reverend Robert Williamson said: "His fun and his unique sense of humour were shared in the home, as well at work and over a pint.

"He loved banter and chatted with everyone in exactly the same way, whether you were a work colleague or the vicar."

Pictures lent to The Northern Echo by Mr Robertson's family show him and his wife, enjoying life to the full, both at home and on holiday.