THE sister of a man who died after going missing last New Year's Day has said her first year without him has been a "living nightmare".

Joe Culshaw's devastated sister Charlene Dugdale said the festive season will never be the same without her brother.

He went missing during a night out in Blackburn to celebrate the New Year and was said to be depressed after a recent split from his long-term girlfriend.

He had also been upset by the death of his parents during the previous three years.

The 31-year-old roofer's body was spotted in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Albion Street by a passer-by on Saturday, January 20, almost three weeks after he disappeared.

His body was found 10 days after his worried family had made an emotional appeal in the Lancashire Telegraph for him to return home.

His sister Charlene, 19, who lived with Joe in St George's Avenue, Mill Hill, said: "It's something that I'll never get over.

"I miss him so much. This year has been a living nightmare.

"It's been hard to celebrate Christmas and New Year knowing that Joe isn't going to be around. It's a very difficult time of year for all his family and friends. This year was very quiet."

Charlene said she will be going to the spot where Joe's body was found on his birthday, January 13.

She added: "I'm going to lay some flowers at the side of the canal where he was found.

"Joe wouldn't want everyone to be sad but it's hard to move on."

The Blackburn Rovers fan was last seen in the Jubilee pub, Blackburn, where he had once worked behind the bar.

The family held a wake at the Jubilee where friends were asked to sign a book of condolence which has been opened in his memory.

Friends and Joe's former workmates donated funds to help pay for the funeral costs.