OVER £12,000 has been raised to help the family of James Dean following his tragic death.

Thousands have paid tribute to the popular non-league footballer since Sunday, when his body was found in the Moscow Mill Street area of Oswaldtwistle. He had been missing for several days prior.

Now the community and people from all across the footballing world have come together in a bid to support Mr Dean’s family and children.

One fundraising page, set up by Warrington Town FC Chairman Toby Macormac, has raised more than £12,000 – surpassing its original £10,000 target.

A message from Mr Macormac on the page reads: “Many of you will know the sad passing of James Dean who spent time with us at Warrington Town and other clubs throughout the Northwest.

“James touched so many people on his footballing journey and now the Non-League family will come together to help and support his.”

As of Tuesday morning, 339 people had contributed to the page, many leaving heartfelt memories and messages.

Mr Dean, who also played for Chorley, Harrogate, Bury FC and FC Halifax Town, enjoyed a prolific career, playing for some of region's biggest non-League clubs and had several promotions on his resume.

He scored 60 goals in 130 appearances for Chorley, many in the Vanarama National League North.

The 6`3” forward also played for Altrincham, Warrington Town, Ashton United, AFC Fylde and Stalybridge Celtic.

On Sunday the phrase RIP Deano was trending on Twitter as thousands paid tribute to the man described as a ‘footballing legend and all-round great guy’.

Ex Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and England Footballer and former Chorley FC Manager Matt Jansen said: “Absolutely devastated to hear this news. Such a great guy. RIP Deano.”

Meanwhile David Dunn simply tweeted: “RIP Deano.”

A family statement released on Monday urged people not to speculate about the circumstance surrounding Mr Dean’s death,: “As a family we are utterly heartbroken and we can’t believe our James has really gone.

"We are still hoping he will walk back through the door and give us one of his smiles.

“James was a loving father to his boys, a son, grandson, nephew and a brother and he will be desperately missed by so many.

“He was such a genuine and gentle person who would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it.

“We would like to thank everyone in the community who has helped in the search for James over the last few days and everyone at Brave Church for their love and support.

“We would also ask that people please don’t speculate about what happened to James as it’s not fair for us as a family – especially his boys – to read these things.

"The truth will come out in good time.

“While we are touched by all the lovely things people have said about James we would ask that we are now left in peace to try and come to terms with what has happened.”

A spokesperson for the police said: "Our thoughts are with James’ family and friends at this time.

"James' death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

"A file will be prepared for HM Coroner and the matter will proceed to inquest.

"We would like to thank everyone from the community who assisted during the search for James."

To donate, click here.