THE funeral of a popular Newport footballer who died of a suspected heart attack during a match will be held next week.

Peter Collier, 36, was playing for Lliswerry on Saturday when he collapsed minutes before half-time and was later confirmed dead on arrival at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

His funeral will be held at St John's Church in Maindee on Wednesday, starting at noon.

Tributes continue to pour in for Mr Collier, of the Gaer, who married, Victoria, 28, a little over two months ago.

His parents Peter and Marilyn placed a public notice in the Argus which said: "We will always love you and never forget our perfect memories of our beautiful son."

The keen golfer's sister, Beverley, also paid tribute saying: "My beautiful brother, so caring, so kind, always laughing," she said. "No one will ever know how much I loved you.

"I will miss you everyday. My special memories of you will last forever." His other sister Tracey, said she would never forget him.

"My loving, caring brother, so gentle, so kind, with a heart of gold," she said.

His wife Victoria, who spoke of her heartbreak in Tuesday's Argus, described him as a wonderful husband and father who was passionate about football.

Lliswerry Football Club members described him as a "fabulous guy" who had a "gorgeous" personality.

Mr Collier, who worked at Bisley Office Equipment, married his wife on October 22 last year at the Peterstone Lakes Golf Club, in Marshfield, and were planning a holiday at Disneyland Paris this weekend.

He also leaves a son Alex, nine and stepdaughter Lydia, eight. The family are asking for any donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to Diabetes UK or the Cardiology Fund at the Royal Gwent Hospital.