THE family of a beloved BoltonWanderers fan organised a tribute to the man described as the ‘smile of Astley Bridge.’

Lifelong Wanderers fan Darryl Anthony Mellett leaves behind a wide circle of friends and large family, who arranged a coach and mini-bus to attend an away game at Sheffield.

The game featured Bolton Wanderers against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and ended in a 1-0 victory for the hosts.

Darryl was born on April 5, 1960 to Alice Flora Mellett and John Jack Mellet and loved playing sport as a child, particularly football, while growing up in Breightmet.

He was the second eldest of four siblings, born after his sister Karen and before brothers, Warren and David.

Having gone to English Martyrs School, he then worked as a plasterer and later became a postman for 17 years, when he had to quite due to ill health.

He then got a job he loved as a driver for Manor Pharmacy.

He met his wife, Carol at Bees Knees, and the pair went on to have three children, Louise, Danielle and Jordan.

In 2016, Danielle gave birth to twin boys, George and Charlie, making Darryl a proud grandfather.

Passing on his love of the Whites to the next generation, Darryl’s great passion was taking his children to away games and on one trip he came home with a Wanderers tattoo.

Danielle said: “Everyone I know says I was his double, because we were both so similar and loved football.

“I also got a tattoo so I’ve picked up his passion, my twin boys are also big Bolton fans now, because of him, and so I hope that they follow in his footsteps and carry on his legacy.

Louise added: “He’ll be sorely missed, the fact that about 60 people went to this away game in his honour just shows how many people loved him.”

“He was the most hardcore Bolton supporter you could ever meet, he thought of the team as his family and he was so kind and generous with his time, always willing to give you a helping hand with your car or technology.”