A CROWDFUNDING campaign to support the family of a former footballer who was found dead at the weekend has smashed its target in under 24 hours.

Police in Lancashire confirmed they had found a body in the search for 35-year-old James Dean, who had been missing since Wednesday.

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Following an outpouring of grief from the non-league footballing community, Warrington Town chairman Toby Macormac set up a Justgiving account in order to give Mr Dean's family some support.

The initial target was to raise £10,000 but the total raised so far has passed the £12,500 mark and is still climbing.

Macormac said: "James touched so many people on his footballing journey and now the Non-League family will come together to help and support his."

Dean played for the likes of Northwich Victoria, Warrington Town, Halifax Town, Chorley and Bamber Bridge during an impressive career in the non-league game.

> You can donate to the Crowdfunder by clicking here