Thousands due at funeral of 'perfect man'

Hundreds of people are set to attend the funeral of a popular Burntwood junior football coach following his death from cancer.

Darren Evans has been described as a "perfect man" and "pillar of the community" by his family and friends.

His funeral is set to take place on Friday at 11am, at St Anne's Church in Burntwood and will be packed out with mourners.

Mr Evans, a married father of two, died recently from cancer aged just 46.

He managed Chasetown under 12 Scholars and was diagnosed with liver cancer six months ago.

He was a freelance builder by trade and gained eminence in the local area through his involvement with the Scholars, who play in the Lichfield & District League.

Tributes have poured in to praise a man who was has been labelled an "inspiration" to all he met through his "infectious, generous, selfless" personality. He leaves behind wife, Sue, whom he married in 1993 and two children, 15-year-old Loren and Will, 11.

She said: "Everyone admired Daz - even men said that he was perfect. That's the type of guy he was, a role model to everyone. "He was incredibly popular and he had it all — good looks, personality, sense of humour, physique - but he never let it go to his head. He was just so modeste. Our relationship was so special. We always had that twinkle or sparkle in our eyes when one another walked into a room."

Darren, who was born in Birmingham but moved to Burntwood at a young age, built his and Sue's house himself.

He set up DC Evans Building Services as a freelance builder and Sue said he had inspired people in the area to follow him into trade.

She said: "Daz was a grafter, there was a determination in him to achieve with his home, family, friends and sport. Mike Harvey, Chasetown Secretary Youth's general secretary, said that Darren would be "sorely missed."