The Daily Star's chief football reporter Danny Fullbrook has died at the age of 40 following an 18-month battle with cancer.

Having graduated from Hull University, Fullbrook took over his role at the Star following a brief stint with the Sunday Mirror.

One his colleagues, Brian Woolnough, has paid tribute to the Fulham supporter.

"His attitude to life was always to have fun and none of us who knew him and worked with him, will forget his love of entertaining," said Woolnough. "It didn't matter whether you were Frank Lampard or a junior reporter, Danny would put you right. A smile, of course, accompanied the banter.

"I once sat alongside Danny when Fulham beat Chelsea and he was so excited he could hardly do his match report. That was him. Passionate, fiercely loyal, great company and a true character.

"Football will miss him and so will we. Why is it always the good guys?"

Fullbrook also had spells working with the Hull Daily Mail and Birmingham Evening Mail.