TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Barrow AFC footballer who died after taking ill at a restaurant on Teesside.

Neil Campbell apparently became, “seriously unwell” while having a meal at an Italian restaurant in Yarm.

An ambulance was called to Uno Ristorante, in the High Street, shortly after 7.10pm on Saturday.

Despite the efforts of paramedics the popular father-of-two was pronounced dead a short time later.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "Police were contacted by ambulance service colleagues just before 8.10pm while they were treating a man who had become seriously unwell while out for a meal in Yarm.

"Officers attended and, very sadly, the man, who was in his 40s, was pronounced deceased shortly afterwards.

"A file will be prepared for the coroner.

"All our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Uno posted a message thanking other customers who came to Mr Campbell’s aid as well as the members of the emergency services who attended the scene.

It said: “With great sadness in our hearts, we tragically announce the passing of a guest last night.

“We thank the doctor and medically trained customers who were in dining who did everything they could, and the emergency response team that arrived very fast.

“We thank all our diners for accepting that we had to evacuate during this tragic incident.

“Uno Ristorante offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends at this sad time.”

The Mail:

The message added: “We ask for the respect to the family in this sad time and we do not wish to comment further.”

A Barrow AFC spokesman said: “The club is extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former player Neil Campbell.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and friends.”

Mr Campbell scored 27 goals in 76 appearances for the Bluebirds, famously scoring the winning goal in the UniBond Presidents Cup Final, at Cumbria neighbours Workington, in 2004.

The striker appeared in more than 400 games at both Football League and lower league levels, also playing at York City, Southend United, Doncaster Rovers and Leigh RMI, plus for other Northern League sides.