FRIENDS and family have continued to remember popular Haydock man Ralph Leyland, who died on a weekend away with his girlfriend in Scarborough.

Ralph, who was 36, died after being found injured on a terraced area near to the coastal resort's Grand Hotel on August 7, with the circumstances surrounding the tragedy still unknown.

Ralph's ex-wife and mother of his six-year-old son Charlie, Nikita said Ralph's death left a void that "will never be filled".

Nikita Sheils Leyland paid an emotional tribute, saying: "Charlie is missing you Ralph, every single second. He's been wearing your t-shirt to play in, eat in and sleep in just to feel close to you again.

"We will miss you always and promise, you'll never be forgotten."

On Facebook, Sue Worrall said: "I always remember you Ralph from way back when we were little kids. You lived up Pimblett Road and I was always at my nan and granddad's a few doors away. Such a lovely guy."

Mark Crellin said: "Ralph, you were more than a friend to me, you were like a brother. I will never forget you and I miss you every second of the day, you were the life and soul of the party, a funny, caring guy with a massive heart of gold."

Simon Taylor Ralph said: "We were fortunate to become friends over 20 years ago and had some great times. I am still in deep shock and will miss you every day. You were like a little brother."

Rachel Heyes said: "What a funny, lovely, likeable person; always a laugh to be had with Ralph."

Stefanie Crellin said: "Ralph, you were cheeky, funny, emotional, amazing and I thank God every day for what you did for me.

"I can remember the last hug you gave me and never want that feeling go away."

Jess McCarthy-Scarsbrook said: "It was a pleasure to have you in our lives for the short time that we had you."

Rachel Mayhew said: "So sad. I remember playing out in the streets with you as a kid... shocking to hear you've been taken so young."

Ralph's sister Stacey, 29, said lots of people attended a celebration of Ralph's life held at St Helens Crematorium on Thursday (August 18).

She said: "So many turned up, it just shows how popular he was and how many friends he had.

"It was a sad day but there was some laughter when people started sharing stories about Ralph later on."

Ralph, a senior residential care worker, played rugby union for Ruskin Park and was a keen cyclist.

At around 6.30am on August 7, North Yorkshire Police received a call from a member of the public who found a man with serious injuries.

Police and paramedics attended the incident, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest into Ralph's death was opened and then adjourned on August 10 and police are treating the incident as unexplained, with an investigation underway.

Three men were arrested in connection with the incident remain on police bail while enquiries continue. Police have not given details as to why the three were arrested.