Memories of a north Norfolk dart player who died, aged just 40, from a brain tumour will live on through a new carnival competition this year.Cromer labourer Paul Hurn, known as Hoss, lived for his darts and love of Liverpool football club.

Memories of a north Norfolk dart player who died, aged just 40, from a brain tumour will live on through a new carnival competition this year.

Cromer labourer Paul Hurn, known as Hoss, lived for his darts and love of Liverpool football club.

But he lost his six-month battle to cancer - a fight he faced with bravery and stoicism - and his funeral is tomorrow .

During his illness workmates from Mackinnon Construction treated him to a day out at Anfield, to touch the Liverpool football pitch, sit among the players' shirts in the dressing room, and meet a former Reds midfielder Brian Hall.

After his death, his partner Bernice Escott who he met through their shared hobby of darts, is making sure the gentle giant is not forgotten at the local oches, by creating a new memorial shield in Paul's name.

And it was Paul who decided it should be for mixed pairs, she explained.

'I asked Paul before his death what game should be played for. No hesitation - mixed pairs. Always a gentlemen, he never liked playing against the ladies, they often surprised him. He did enjoy partnering them and winning several competitions.'

The shield will be run under the Cromer Carnival banner, but probably not in carnival week.

Mr Hurn, who was born at West Runton, went to Cromer High School before training for the building trade, and working on sites including gas terminals in Bacton and Scotland.

He played darts for Roughton New Inn, Albion, Giovanni's, White Horse and in the Cromer super league.

But he also had a love of Liverpool Football Club from a child.

The Anfield trip was in August before he started a programme of radio therapy, and he had a 'fabulous time' said Ms Escott. The Mackinnon staff also bought him a team shirt with his nickname Hoss on the back.

As a schoolboy Mr Hurn won a prize for never having a day off sick. He seemed healthy but had a 'funny turn' last May, she added.

'We thought it was a stroke, but it was a brain tumour. He had an operation at Addenbrookes but it had spread. They gave him six months and that is exactly what he had.

'He dealt with it stoically and never said 'why me?'

'He was a lovely genial guy who loved his football, darts and cats. I didn't want him to be forgotten.'

Mr Hurn, who leaves his parents Alan and Margaret, and brother Gary, died on December 28.

His funeral is at St Faith's crematorium today at 11.45am, with donations to the Priscilla Bacon Lodge through Fox's funeral directors.