A LIFE-LONG Forest Green Rovers fan died from a heart attack after watching his team play against Notts County last week.

Father-of-three Paul Davis, 50, - known to friends as Ditty - was a keen sportsman who was passionate about football and was well-known by Forest Green fans.

By chance, Paul was interviewed by BBC Points West outside Meadow Lane, Notts County’s homeground, before the game on Tuesday, January 19 and the clip was aired just a couple of hours before he died.

FGR spokesman Colin Peake said: "The interview showed him in a happy and confident mood, looking forward to one of the most important matches ever to be played by the club.

"He personified in the interview what it meant to him to support his local club."

Paul, who lived in Chandos Road, Rodborough, suffered a heart attack while leaving the ground.

In a statement, his family said: "Paul will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him at work or socially.

"He was a popular character, jovial and happy-go-lucky, who saw the best in everyone and lived life to the full."

Paul, who worked as a draughtsman at SKF Bearings in Stonehouse, leaves two sons Jonathan, 27, and Ben, 25, and a daughter Kimberley, 21.

He had been in a relationship with his girlfriend Damaris Kionga for four years.

Born in Stroud, he attended Parliament Street Primary School and Marling before starting an apprenticeship at Mawdsley's in Dursley.

Paul Ballinger, an old school friend, told the SNJ: "At school Paul was everyone's friend and never seemed to have an enemy in the world, nor could ever have fallen out with anyone, such was his cheerful, likeable disposition."

As a boy, Paul supported West Ham and played for a youth team in Dudbridge before moving on to senior teams at Whiteshill and Cashes Green. He followed FGR from a young age.

Until recently he played five-a-side football at Bentham Country Club, near Brockworth, for the Hedgehogs and the Dodgy Dribblers.

FGR has invited members of Paul's family to attend the team's home match against Mansfield Town this Saturday where tributes are planned and a collection will be taken for the British Heart Foundation.

Paul's funeral takes place at 11am on Friday, February 5 at St Matthew's Church, Cainscross.

A cremation will be held at Gloucester Cemetery and Crematorium at 12.30pm.

All are welcome at both ceremonies.

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