TRIBUTES have been paid to a Bolton Wanderers fan who was described by family as a ‘hero’ and had the ‘smile of Astley Bridge’.

Darryl Anthony Mellett was born in Bolton on the April 5, 1960, and was the son of Alice Flora Mellett and John Jack Mellett.

Darryl was their second eldest child, born after his sister Karen and then followed by his brothers, Warren and David.

He grew up in Breightmet onRochester Avenue and attended St Patrick’s RC Primary School and then went to English Matryrs, where he enjoyed football, rugby, cricket, geography and English.

After leaving school and got a job on Bolton Market, he then was an apprentice for four years as a plasterer with his dad.

The 61-year-old then went to work as a postman for the Royal Mail for 17 years, where he made many friends but unfortunately he had to retire due to ill health.

Being the hard worker that he was, after some time off, Darryl became employed as a delivery driver for Manor Pharmacy which he loved.

Darryl met his wife, Carol at the Bees Knees, which he described was an instant attraction.

He was welcomed into the family by his late mother-in-law Edith and father-in-law Frank where he became close with sister-in-law Lynne, brothers-in-law Ian and Scott, over a game of snooker at the family home at Tythe Barn.

Darryl and Carol got married at St Osmund’s Roman Catholic Church in Breightmet.

They lived in Darryl’s grandfather John Mellett’s house in Daubhill, before moving to Astley Bridge.

They had three children, Louise, Danielle and Jordan.

In August 2016, Darryl became the proud grandad of identical twin boys, George and Charlie, a wonderful gift from his daughter Danielle and her partner Adi. Darryl welcomed Louise’s partner Neil and his son Jack into the family as his own.

Darryl was the manager of Astley Bridge Junior Football Club for 16 years where he led them to success winning the league.

He was a devoted Bolton Wanderers season ticket holder and had a tattoo on his left forearm in dedication.

Darryl travelled to away games including to Madrid and Portugal and often watched his beloved team with his brothers and his best mate Mick.

His siblings said that when he was a child, if Bolton lost, their mum and dad would give him money to stop him from crying!

Darryl thoroughly enjoyed breaks away with Carol to the Lake District and Lancaster.

He was well-known for being comical, quick thinking, witty and a wind-up merchant, often having nicknames for other people and his dog Ted, who he referred to as “Ted Derick Ruffus Macafferty Mellett”.

Darryl was a loving family man with an infectious smile, which many have recently described as the smile of Astley Bridge, which will never be the same without his presence.

Family and friends also say he will be sorely missed as he was an unforgettable character and also for his personality.