FAMILY and friends turned out to pay their final respects to part-time doorman Raymond Hampson, who was found with head injuries outside an Accrington pub last month.

Colleagues from the Accrington town centre pubs where he worked were among more than 100 mourners at the funeral at St James CE Church, Haslingden.

The father-of-seven's mother, girlfriend, sisters and children led the service.

The Rev Jeff Finch described the popular 39-year-old as "the chap with the friendly word who had the energy and zest for life."

He said: "He was a fun loving lad who loved life, but he also had a serious side which listened to and cared for others."

The vicar said that away from working in pubs, Mr Hampson enjoyed the peace and quiet of fishing, as well as playing computer games. During the 45-minute service, the Janet Jackson hit, Together Again, was played for Mr Hampson's girlfriend, Elaine Radcliffe, with whom he lived in Slaidburn Drive, Accrington.

Her 16-year-old stepdaughter, Pam, read a poem she had written in his memory.

Fighting back the tears, she described him as a "friend and second father" with a "heart of gold and matching personality".

As Mr Hampson's body was taken from the church, the recent chart hit, Wind Beneath My Wings by ITV London's Burning star Steven Houghton, was played.

He was laid to rest at Haslingden Cemetery in the same grave as his 14-year-old nephew, Lee Quelch, who died two years ago.

Several children at the church were carrying single roses. Floral tributes outside included a bouquet of his name.

The funeral cortege had started at the Haslingden home of Mr Hampson's 63-year-old mother, Elizabeth Martin.

Police officers involved in the investigation into his death were also among the congregation.

Mr Hampson, who also worked as fork-lift driver, died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary after being found with head injuries outside the Bee's Knees pub in Accrington.

He had worked at the pub but had not been on duty the night he died.

Two men have appeared in court charged with his murder.

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