The brother of a former Royston Town footballer who tragically died from a virus has paid tribute to him on behalf of his family.

Paul Webb, a 38-year-old sales director from Guilden Morden, died from the illness Viral Myocarditis on October 24.

A football enthusiast from an early age, Paul played for his home village and Royston Town as a striker. He was the highest goal scorer in the Hertfordshire Sunday league during his career.

After retiring from football, Paul’s talent and determination led to him being selected to represent Great Britain in triathlon events.

He went on to compete in the sport – which involves swimming, cycling and running – at the World Championships in 2012 and the European Championships in June this year, where he crossed the line in 15th place.

His brother, David Webb, an accountant living in Canada, told the Crow that sport brought the pair together.

David said: “The family are all heartbroken. Paul and I would play for hours and hours on the local rec growing up. We were very close. He was so competitive and so driven.

“He was quite a bad loser until he matured into his 30s, which is why he was so good at every sport he took up.

“We grew up playing for Guilden Morden. He was always a prolific striker, he was always the top goal scorer in every age group.”

David says one of his favourite memories of Paul was when the brothers won a football tournament in Guilden Morden with three young children.

He said: ”There were five adults in the team and three boys who used to play on the rec too, who were about 12 years old.

“We ended up winning the tournament. The young kids were really good little players. That was something we always reflected on, winning a men’s tournament with three children.”

Royston Town president Alan Barlow said: “His death at such a young age came as such an incredible shock.

“Paul was one of those players who was so popular with his fans. They took him into their hearts.”

Paul is survived by his wife and three young daughters.