Father-of-two Martin Daniels from Chorley was killed when he was hit by a train near Euxton Railway Station on Tuesday.

It has now emerged that Mr Daniels was a coach at Euxton Girls FC, where his two daughters played, and he managed the under 14s team.

Friends have spoken of their "utter disbelief" at his death.

Dennis Winn, secretary of Euxton Girls FC, said Martin used to play for him when he ran the Market Tavern FC side, but he came back into football when his daughters started playing the sport.

"He became a manager and joined the committee," he said. "We have an annual sportsmen's dinner and Martin always organised it.

"When I was told what happened I couldn't believe it. He was the joker in the pack and if there was any laughter then Martin was at the forefront.

"He was a keen footballer and got involved in Euxton Girls when his eldest daughter joined about four years ago."

Friend Craig Martin, who now lives in Spain, said: "He was a great bloke and the news is terrible. My memories of him are always funny and laughing ones. This is a terrible tragedy."

Andrew Savage only met Mr Daniels twice but said the occasions left a lasting impression on him.

Now working in Dubai he said: "I remember Martin to be a guy full of enjoyment, laughter, enthusiasm and kindness, and I remember him talking very affectionately about his two daughters.

"It was with great sadness that I learned of his death and I was both shocked and saddened to hear the news. I genuinely believe that Chorley has lost a true gentleman who could brighten up any room in an instant."

Mr Daniels, 39, was identified on Wednesday evening.

He was struck by a train at 11.45am on Tuesday approximately 1.5 miles south of Euxton station.

Officers from BTP and paramedics attended and Mr Daniels was pronounced dead at the scene.

The train involved was the 08.51 Edinburgh to Birmingham New Street service.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Tributes can be posted below or sent to christopher.maguire@lep.co.uk

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