The family of rugby legend Matthew "Jimmy" Dalton have spoken out about mental health on the first anniversary of his death.

Mr Dalton, a former Whitehaven Rugby League Club hero and dedicated community volunteer, tragically took his own life last November.

As the community remembers the first anniversary of his death tomorrow, his family are raising awareness about mental health.

His niece Chelle Holliday said: "People need to seek help if they feel anxious, depressed or have suicidal thoughts. It needs to be spoken about."

She said there are many families who are affected by mental health issues.

"I think a lot of people feel ashamed to speak out. It's sad that people could feel as though their life is not worth living," she said.

"I just want to let people know not to be ashamed about who they are."

And she wants to remind people, who are struggling with mental health issues, how valued they are to their loved ones.

"Everyone is worth something to someone," she said.

The family was devastated when Mr Dalton was found dead in Crow Park on November 8 last year.

A major two-day search had been carried out to find him.

In a note to his family, Mr Dalton had written about his struggles with physical and mental illness and how the breakdown of his relationship had affected him.

Mr Dalton's death sent shock waves through community, and many people have paid tribute to the 53-year-old who is recognised as one of the most talented and popular wingers in the history of Whitehaven RLFC.

Since his death he has been posthumously inducted into the Whitehaven RLFC Hall of Fame. He is recognised among the greats including Arnold "Boxer" Walker and John McKeown.

And his family have been keen to raise funds for Papyrus, the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, and Mind, the mental health charity.

A fundraiser was held in summer, in memory of Mr Dalton, which raised nearly £6,000. The cash was split between the two charities.

Ms Holliday said it was "great" to raise so much money for the two causes.

Garry Schofield OBE who is a member of the British Rugby League Hall of Fame – which comprises the greatest 21 rugby league players in the country – hosted an auction. There was also music, a raffle and buffet.

Following the event, Ms Holliday had said: "The atmosphere was fantastic. It was packed. Everybody was reminiscing about Jimmy and sharing memories of him. It brought smiles to everyone's faces. Everyone thought it was fantastic."

Mr Dalton is well-known across West Cumbria for his rugby career, and he was influential in setting up Starting Point in Whitehaven, where he helped people recover from drug and alcohol problems.

For help or advice, contact:

- Mind in West Cumbria: Old Town Hall, Oxford St, Workington, 01900 66518

- Samaritans of West Cumbria: 22-23 Church Street, Whitehaven, 01946 694 266 (local call charges apply) or national telephone: 116 123 (this number is free to call)

- Papyrus: Call HOPELineUK 0800 068 41 41