The funeral date of a young father from Harold Hill has been announced, after recent fundraising events held in his honour raised �2,700.

Five people are due to go on trial charged with 18-year-old, Luke Harwood’s murder later this year.

His funeral – which will be paid for by the Mayer Funeral Home following a Recorder appeal – will be held next Friday (August 3) at 3.20pm at the South Essex Crematorium, Ockenden Road, Upminster.

Before that, a horse drawn carriage and cars will be leaving Woodbridge Close, Harold Hill around 1.45pm, with the cortege passing the Hilldene Shopping Centre on it’s way to the crematorium.

Fundraising events were recently held at both the William The Conqueror and Saxon King pubs in Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill.

The money raised will be used to additional costs including t-shirts and flowers.

Some will also go to a trust fund for the Luke’s son.

One of his brothers, Scott, said: “There are a lot of people we’d like to say thanks to for putting themselves out for our family.

“Everyone at the William the Conqueror, including Caz and landlady Kelly Clarkson, also Jane Phillips and the staff at the Saxon King, West Ham for donating signed shirts and tickets, and to everybody who contributed, including Tesco and most of the Petersfield Avenue shops.

“Also thanks to the funeral home and to the Romford Recorder. What you did for us was really fantastic.”