Tributes have been paid to a 31-year-old dad who died after a head injury.

A footballer and rugby player as a child, outgoing Gary Wilson, of Moorclose, Workington, had many friends.

But he collapsed and died on October 24 after falling and hitting his head. Distington crematorium was packed on Monday for his funeral.

As a child, Mr Wilson played for Ellenborough, Clifton Lions and Seaton rugby teams, and Workington Reds U12s. He also played cymbals for Workington True Blues Flute Band. He worked out regularly at the leisure centre gym and was hoping to return to Clifton Lions.

Until he was 10, the family lived at the Union Jack Club, where his dad Gordon was treasurer. The family moved after his dad died. He attended St Michael’s Infant School, Victoria Junior School, Stainburn School and West Cumbria College, working at BCMS, the Lillyhall pallet factory, then FCC.

His family said he was a happy, mischievous child who later enjoyed spending time with his three nieces.

His sister Vicky said: “Gary was the best son, brother, brother-in-law, dad, uncle and partner. My girls thought the world of him, even though he tormented them at every chance.”

He and partner Kelly Williams had a daughter Caleia, six, and recently learned they were expecting a baby boy.

The family said: “He was over the moon showing the scan pictures to people. Now sadly little Wilson is not going to see his dad but we will make sure that Caleia and the little boy never forget Gary.”

Vicky added: “It’s so sad. He had everything to live for - his baby son, Caleia and the family, a job he loved. It’s just unfair. I waited 10 years to get a brother or sister and he’s been taken away from us at such a young age.”

His partner said: “He was a great dad. He loved Caleia to bits. He was over the moon about the baby.

“He was a lovely person. He was always cheery and happy. He’d never go past anybody without saying hiya even if he didn’t know them.”

Mr Wilson lived in Moorclose but spent time helping his mum at her home.

He spent the evening of October 24 socialising and playing pool at the Union Jack Club and JJ’s. While out, he fell, injuring his head. He was walked to his mum’s house but collapsed there and could not be saved.

His sister said: “The lads who brought him home said they’d never seen him before but they said it was the best two hours they’d had in their lives. That was what Gary was like. We thank him so much for fetching him here. At least he died at home.”

Mr Wilson’s outgoing personality and ability to talk to anyone gained him many friends.

Donations at Mr Wilson's funeral were collected in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance.

A wake was held a the Union Jack Club, with a collection there taken for the local paramedics.