The funeral of Sturry "legend" Alan Wallis will be held at 4pm on Wednesday at Barham Crematorium.

The 34-year-old was found hanged by the railway crossing in the village on the morning of Christmas Eve.

To his family, parents Paul and Denise Wallis, and to his brothers Graham, Steven, and Stuart, Alan was simply a legend.

“Alan was just the loveliest, happiest bloke, with so many friends,” said eldest brother Graham, 36.

“Alan was a legend,” said the youngest Stuart, 28.

Alan, who lived in Hoades Wood Road, Sturry, was a carpenter and electrician by trade, as well as a father and all-round popular guy within the tight-knit village community.

Hundreds are expected at Wednesday’s funeral for the Liverpool FC fan.

But the service will be stripped of formality and full of football strips, according to the wishes of his family. Mourners are asked not to wear black nor suits, and football colours are welcome.