THE family of Ben Marklew, who died last week, has paid tribute to their son and brother, saying he had a 'cheeky smile' who 'left a lasting impression on everyone he met.'

Ben,19, from Glusburn, an apprentice bricklayer with builders, RN Wooler and Co, died on Thursday last week after getting into difficulties in the River Wharfe near Grassington. He left his parents, Sue and Paul, and a sister, Ella.

The family said: “Our beloved son and brother filled his 19 years of life with family, friends, fun and laughter. Ben was a character that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

"Ben was loved by all those who knew him, and we are immensely proud of the young man he had become. Our lives will be undoubtedly quieter without him and his beautiful blue eyes, rosy, red cheeks and cheeky smile.

"We love you Ben, forever and always. Mum, dad and Ella.”

A long with the hundreds of tributes left on social media both Bradford City AFC and Wharfedale RUFC, the club he played for over many years, sent their condolences to Ben’s family and friends.

A shirt with ‘Marklew 19’ was present in a corner of Valley Parade throughout the club’s 2-0 friendly win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

A tribute on Wharfedale RUFC's website reads: “Ben was a long serving member of the rugby club. Everyone at the club, alongside his family had watched him grow from a wild, cheeky lad into an ever-maturing lovely young man (still with a cheeky smile).

"Over the years, under the tutelage of his dad who coached him throughout his playing days at Wharfedale, Ben developed into a fine prop forward also mobile enough to play in the back row too. Having finished his junior playing days Ben was embarking on his senior rugby career.

"All his family were great supporters of Ben and were usually there on a Sunday morning to cheer him and his team on including his nan Pat. They were all really proud of him. He leaves a large hole in the lives of a lot of people.”