A BALLOON release has been held in tribute to a popular sportsman who died suddenly in Spain.

The event took place yesterday at Ingrow Cricket Club, where Mark Price was a former player and first-team captain.

The dad-of-one died last month, aged 46.

An online Just Giving page was set-up to raise the funds for Mark, who was also well-known in local football circles, to be brought back to the UK for his funeral.

The service took place at Keighley Shared Church on Friday, followed by cremation at Oakworth.

"It was a beautiful but very sad day for everyone," said Julianne Weatherall, chairman of Ingrow Cricket Club.

"Mark's family would like to thank each and every one of the people of Keighley for managing to raise enough money to get his body home from Spain and to pay for his funeral.

"The rest of the funds are going into a trust for Mark's daughter, Megan.

"Mark had so many good friends in Keighley and despite the coronavirus trying to get in the way, he had a really good turnout to the funeral.

"Thank-you to David Gallagher Funeral Directors and everyone at the shared church for helping it to go ahead.

"The wake was held at the Royal Oak, in Keighley, where everyone shared a few drinks to celebrate Mark's life.

"We'll miss you, 'Pricey'."

The balloon release was attended by Mark's family and Ingrow Cricket Club members, who attached messages to the balloons before launching them skywards.

The club has also provided a memorial bench.