FOOTBALLERS from around the North-East gathered to pay tribute yesterday to a player who died following a road collision.

Edward Sharp, 23, lost his fight for life in Newcastle General Hospital a week after his car was involved in an accident near his home, in Newfield, near Willington, County Durham.

His family, including his parents Janice and Edward, and his fiancee Kelly Fox had kept a constant vigil by his bedside.

At his funeral yesterday, in St Andrew's Church, Bishop Auckland, they were joined by friends from the footballing world and people who worked with Edward and his father on building projects around the country, including the new Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

On the night of the tragedy, Edward, who worked as a dry liner, had been driving home from work where he was helping to restore the Baltic Flour Mills, on the River Tyne.

He played football for both Tow Law and Consett this season and on Saturday both teams started their matches with a minute's silence.

With his former club Byers Green St Peter's, managed by his uncle Bob Sharp, Edward was voted the Crook and District League's player of the year.

Mr Sharp also played in the Wear Valley Sunday Morning League and had scored 27 goals this season for Tindale Crescent Workmen's Club, where his father is assistant manager.

His father said: "We did everything together. This was the first time we had worked apart.

"When we were not involved in football we were fishing. He loved life and he was really starting to work hard at his football."

Mr and Mrs Sharp and their daughters Annmarie, Paula, Stacey and Jenna paid tribute to the dedication of hospital staff who fought to save Edward's life.

Police investigating the cause of the accident, which happened at Todhills just before 6pm on Thursday, February 7, are trying to trace possible witnesses who stopped at the scene.

The male driver of a red Vauxhall Astra or similar car might have been travelling with a female companion.

Officers said the driver was not involved in the accident, but may have seen what happened.

He is urged to contact them on 0191-386 4929