A minute of silence was observed ahead of football matches across Lowestoft in memory of a popular soccer player and supermarket worker who died when he was hit by a train.

Lowestoft Journal: A minutes silence in memory of Darrren Boyd ahead of the opening Lowestoft and District League football matches of 2016.Friends and family and teammates from the Hearts of Oak before the game.Picture: James BassA minutes silence in memory of Darrren Boyd ahead of the opening Lowestoft and District League football matches of 2016.Friends and family and teammates from the Hearts of Oak before the game.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2016)

Father-of-two Darren Boyd, who died on January 2, played football for Hearts of Oak and Kirkley and Pakefield football clubs.

And ahead of their fixtures on Saturday, all football matches in the Lowestoft and District League observed a minute of silence, including Mr Boyd's team.

Lowestoft and District League referees appointments secretary Richard May said: 'A minute's silence was observed ahead of all games in the Lowestoft and District League in honour of a highly-respected person, a superb sportsman and someone who always played football with a smile on his face.'

Mr Boyd's team Hearts of Oak played Mutford and Wrentham Reserves, while Beccles Caxton Reserves played Corton Seltic at Dip Farm on Saturday.

Players from all four teams joined together for the silence - along with members of Mr Boyd's family, who have described him as 'the best dad you could ever wish for'.

Did you know Darren Boyd? Would you like to pay a tribute? Write, giving your full contact details, to: Journal Postbox, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk