TOP players will carry the coffin of Tadcaster rugby fan Clive Gott onto their pitch as part of a celebration of his life.

The event will take place on Wednesday at Headingley Carnegie Stadium in Leeds, the home of his favourite rugby league team, the Leeds Rhinos.

Clive died suddenly on Saturday of what was believed to have been heart problems, aged 52. He was known for taking part in adventurous challenges, such as climbing Everest, and also for working to inspire young people.

Clive’s partner, Elaine Hanzak, has invited friends to see him off as his coffin is driven from their home in Toll Bar Way, Tadcaster, passing his favourite pubs, the Coach and Horses and The Queen, on the way to the stadium.

Clive will be carried onto the pitch by some Leeds players and relatives in front of the North Stand, where he had a season ticket for every home game.

Friends have been invited to form a guard of honour with golf clubs and bicycles to represent aspects of his life.

Following the 52 minute-long service – a minute for every year he lived – there will be a Clive Gott roadshow in the function suite, where guests will listen to music from Clive’s iPod, share photographs and stories and watch a match on video.

Elaine said: “He always wanted to do a one-man show, so here it is.

“He wanted people to have a few beers, watch a match – we’ll have one on the screens – and celebrate his life.”

Elaine has also set up The Clive Gott Foundation to sponsor young sports players with equipment and coaching.

Anyone who would like to speak, or who has photographs or could help with filming the event, should contact Elaine at elaine@clivegott.com with the subject heading Celebration.