A football match is to be held in memory of a 'much loved and cherished' young man who died in a car crash.

Eastern Daily Press: Jamie Kelly, who died age 23 in a car crash, was described as 'much loved and cherished' by his family. Photo: Kelly familyJamie Kelly, who died age 23 in a car crash, was described as 'much loved and cherished' by his family. Photo: Kelly family (Image: Archant)

Jamie Kelly was returning home from his job at Midwich, in Diss - where he had just been promoted - when his Volkswagen Polo was involved in a collision in Church Lane, North Lopham.

The 23-year-old died, from East Harling, at the scene on Tuesday, January 30.

The former Old Buckenham High and Wymondham High student's death caused great sadness in the community and where he worked, with his family paying tribute to him as a 'larger than life' character and a 'wonderful boy'.

Now his former colleagues at Midwich are to organise a match in his memory between the firm and East Harling, the team Jamie used to play for, on Friday, July 13.

Sales manager Tom Hawes, who was Jamie's line manager, said: 'Jamie passed away four and a half months ago and whilst we miss him very dearly, this memorial football match will give us the opportunity to celebrate our friend and colleague in a way he would have loved.

'Jamie played football with Midwich every Wednesday night and loved nothing more than to spend time with his work mates and friends from East Harling, so what better way to celebrate Jamie.'

Jamie's parents Rod Kelly and Sheila MacDonald also welcomed the match, saying in a statement: 'We are delighted that Midwich are to have a football match as a memorial to such a fine loving and fair minded son.

'Jamie liked sport but he always had a sense of fairness, fun and the important thing to him was taking part. He never took things too seriously.

'That is the spirit in which he would like the game to be played.

'It is so nice that so many of his friends are keen to play and it will be a fine tribute to such a lovely beautiful young man.

'His memory will always be with us as a family and we would like to thank Midwich for their considerable support.'

The match will take place at 6.30pm on the day, with money raised being split half and half between the British Heart Foundation and the other half going towards a memorial for Jamie at Midwich.

A bar at the Diss Football Club has been organised, with Cannell's Butchers in Diss supplying the food.

There will also be a raffle.