Family and friends have paid tribute to a man known as one of Norfolk's greatest local league footballers.

Neil Hart lived and breathed football. Throughout his career, he graced many pitches - most notably in Great Yarmouth and Dereham.

Great Yarmouth Town fans may recall his legendary volley against Rugby at the FA Vase semi-final in 1983. The Bloaters were ultimately unsuccessful in their quest to Wembley, but Mr Hart's goal remains an all-time highlight for the club.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Neil Hart (right) with former Great Yarmouth Town manager Bill Punton. Picture - The Hart FamilyNeil Hart (right) with former Great Yarmouth Town manager Bill Punton. Picture - The Hart Family (Image: The Hart Family)

Mr Hart's son Liam said: "The old man scored what many have described as the greatest goal ever scored at the Wellesley - a 35-yard volley in the 88th minute to take the game to extra time and resulted in a pitch invasion from the 4,500 spectators.

"Nearly all his playing days were before I was born, but I know the 1982 FA Vase run with Yarmouth was a stand out."

Another highlight from Mr Hart's glory days came in 1985, when his Sunday team, Dereham Hobbies, became the best Sunday team in the country after winning the FA Sunday Cup.

"They are the only Norfolk side to ever win it," said Liam.

"The old man lived and breathed football. And he instilled that passion in me."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Neil Hart with the FA Sunday Cup in 1985. Picture - The Hart Family.Neil Hart with the FA Sunday Cup in 1985. Picture - The Hart Family. (Image: The Hart Family)

Following in his dad's footsteps, Liam said his proudest football moments came in 2005 after he scored against Yarmouth Town at the Wellesley while playing for Ely City.

"The old man was watching on and it was the proudest moment of my playing days by a mile," he said.

Off the pitch, Liam described his dad as a selfless, quick-witted and caring family man.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Neil Hart was a loyal Norwich City supporter. Picture - The Hart Family.Neil Hart was a loyal Norwich City supporter. Picture - The Hart Family. (Image: The Hart Family)

"The old man just couldn't do enough for us all," he said.

"He was a true role model.

"He always said to me 'one fool can make laughter for many', and he loved playing the fool.

"He lived for us and did everything he could to give us the best possible lives. He was just a funny, loving dad and I could not have wished for better."

Yarmouth Town legend John Cogger shared the Wellesley pitch with Mr Hart for a number of years throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Cogger described Mr Hart as a "true gentleman player".

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Neil Hart in his later years. Picture - The Hart Family.Neil Hart in his later years. Picture - The Hart Family. (Image: The Hart Family)

"You always knew what you were going to get with Harty," said Mr Cogger, 73.

"He was a great player, he was never sent off, and his goal-scoring record spoke for itself.

"He was one of the best players ever in local football, and I'm sure he would have made it pro if he had taken the opportunity.

"But he worked hard in his professional life, and I think he enjoyed his time in Great Yarmouth, Hobbies and Norwich more than anything else.

"On the one hand, Yarmouth's loss to Rugby in 1983 was one of the team's saddest days. But Harty's immaculate goal was the stuff of legend.

"He will be sadly missed."

A Great Yarmouth Town Football Club spokesperson described Mr Hart as a "Bloaters Legend".

The spokesperson added: "Thanks Harty for your services to our club and may you rest well."

Mr Hart was born on March 24, 1954, and raised in Garvestone, before living in Dereham, Halstead, Ely and North Elmham.

He worked with the same company for 27 years as a chartered loss adjuster. And throughout his life, Mr Hart also had stints playing at Dereham, Tiptree, Ely, Norwich and Grimsby.

Mr Hart died on Saturday, January 28, after living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) for some time.

He was 68.

More than 200 people attended Mr Hart's funeral on Friday, February 17, which was held at Breckland Crematorium. His wake was held at Glen Lodge, Bawburgh Golf Club.