The funeral of Deal backpacker Christian Sloan will be held at Canterbury Cathedral on Monday, April 18.

Mr Sloan, 24, of Walmer Way, died in an incident at the Dantala waterfall in the Lam Dong province of Vietnam on February 26.

Sisters Beth Anderson, 24, and Isobel Squire, 19, from Sheffield in South Yorkshire, were also killed.

Mr Sloan’s family is inviting everyone who knew him to attend the service at 2.30pm.

They are also asking people to bring along a photograph of the popular Deal lad with their favourite memory of him written on the back, to be added to a memory board.

His sister, Katie-Leigh Cottrell, said: “We thought Canterbury Cathedral would be the most fitting place for a wonderful young man who touched so many in his short life.”

A cremation at Barham Crematorium, attended by family and close friends only, will follow.

Mrs Cottrell said: “We then invite everyone to join us in raising a glass to the amazing life led by Christian at the Welfare Club in Cowdray Square, Deal, from 4pm. We look forward to seeing as many there as possible.”

The memory board for photographs will be at the club.

Mr Sloan’s parents, Eugene and Lesley, described their son as “a hard working, very popular Deal lad who was well known around the town as ‘the legend’ for his lovely smile, keep fit and lust-for-life attitude.”

He was a former Walmer Science College pupil and had experience with the Royal Navy, joining in 2008 as a boy sailor, passing out from HMS Sultan as a marine engineer mechanic.

Christian's family made a worldwide appeal last month to get more information surrounding the circumstances of his death.

Thanks has been given to all who shared the appeal which was posted on social media platforms.

A statement from them said: "We have had an overwhelming response from around the world and many people are continuing to offer assistance into the ongoing investigation."

Part of their appeal also required the identification of a Canadian nurse who tried to resuscitate Christian at the scene.

The statement continued: "We are pleased to say that we have found this young lady and she has been able to provide much information to us."

The family has asked that only family flowers are provided on the day of Christian's service, however, donations will be appreciated.

They will be split between a Motor Neurone Disease charity and The British Heart Foundation – charities close to Christian’s heart, enabling his caring nature to live on through helping others.

Donations can be given either directly to J Dilnot Smith and Son funeral directors or via a Just Giving page.

The cathedral doors will be open from 2pm for guests to be seated ready for the service to begin at 2.30pm.