A FATHER paid tribute to an alleged murder victim and told mourners that the world had let him down.

Single red roses were laid on the coffin of Marvin Whitehead yesterday as family and friends gathered at St Bartholomew's Church, Ewood, Blackburn.

The 28-year-old was found dead in Todmorden two weeks ago and a 32-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder.

Marvin's father, Chris Whitehead, 51, of Langham Road, Blackburn, led the tributes.

He was described during the service as a "simplistic" man who had enjoyed days as a choir boy and Cub Scout at St Bartholomew's and as a former pupil of Belthorn and Billinge Schools (now Beardwood High School) in Preston New Road.

He lived with his stepmother Charmaine Whitehead, 39, of Belthorn, in his teens as he worked at Pleckgate High School as a canteen assistant after leaving school at 16.

He then worked with Brian and Lorna Shackleton, of Burnley Road, Todmorden, in their fruit and vegetable business, known as Shackletons.

The Shackleton family were also said to be devastated by the incident. The Rev Ken Howles described the death as a "tragic loss" and read out a personal tribute to Marvin, written by his father.

It said: "Marvin was a lovely simplistic lad, not sharp enough for the world we have to live in.

"He required certain things in life; light, food, and a good company of others and a good mix of coffee, his roll ups and MTV.

"What Marvin lacked academically was made up by his strength and his willingness. If Marv was on the other end of a weight, it would have to give way because he would not.

"If he channelled his strength into aggression, he would have been unstoppable but he was not like that and that makes the pain hard to bear.

"He was a good son, brother, worker and friend."

Tender memories of days watching endless repeats of Michael Jackson's Thriller movie and Marvin taking on a goose single-handed were shared during the service.

He added: "Many a time I have done jobs and said: ' We need Marv', whether it be lifting tree stumps, concrete posts or a certain king-size mattress.

"This world let you down Marv -- God's heaven won't." A cortege of around 20 vehicles meandered through Ewood to Pleasington Crematorium where Marvin was laid to rest.

The Northern Soul track Too Late by Larry Williams and Johnny 'Guitar' Watson was played as mourners left the crematorium. It was chosen by his brother Curtis and said to be one of Marvin's favourite songs.

Marvin's family of five brothers and three sisters from Blackburn - Melissa, 21, of Mill Hill; Kimberley, 22, of Shear Brow; Clare, 20, of Lambert Street; and Curtis, Harley, Scott, Liam and Jordan were among the mourners.

lMarvin was found dead with stabbing injuries in the backyard of a house in Willow Bank, Todmorden, days before his 29th birthday.

Geoffrey Anthony Laycock, 32, of Willow Bank, Todmorden, appeared at Calderdale Magistrates court charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to appear at Bradford Crown Court on March 10.