FAMILY and friends said their final farewells to murder victim Gary Fletcher, seven months after he was found dead in a house just doors away from his home in Bacup.

About fifty mourners attended the service at Burnley crematorium yesterday.

Tributes to the 41-year-old father were paid by the Rev Michael Holt of St John's Church, Bacup, who described him as a fine and quiet man who had concerns for his family.

A wreath of white flowers making the word 'dad' stood at the foot of the coffin.

Mr Fletcher was found dead at a house in Hammerton Green, Bacup, just four doors away from his own home, in April.

He had two children Benjamin, 11, and Rebecca, seven. His former partner Kirsten Fletcher lives in the town. His mum, Marlene also lived in Hammerton Green.

Mr Holt said it was always difficult to say a last farewell to someone they had known and loved. That was even more so when the deceased had left this life in a way which could only be described as brutal and violent.

They had to look back over the life that was as a son, brother, father and stepfather, a quiet man with concern for his family and someone who had lived what most people would consider to be an ordinary kind of life.

To those who knew and loved him his life was not ordinary and they should give thanks for it because it was a blessing and a precious gift.

"He was concerned with the animal kingdom. He had racing pigeons and would take in injured birds to try to heal them," said Mr Holt

Mr Fletcher had worked in local industry and was a fan of Manchester United.

A local man has been charged with his murder.