Donations have been flooding in for an appeal after the death of a popular, young father and butcher.

So far, more than £4,000 has been raised in memory of father-of-three David 'Dazy' Saunders.

The 34-year-old was found dead in bed early on Christmas Day by his wife Kelly, at their home in Grange Road, St Michael’s.

An appeal for funeral costs and for the family was launched at The Crown pub in St Michael’s, where Mr Saunders was a regular and had been on Christmas Eve, the night before he died.

Landlord Harry Purewal said: “We have been staggered by the response.

“In the first 15 minutes, we had over £3,500. We are up to over £4,000 now and I expect to double that when all the pledges are in.”

Mr Purewal said that the pub’s Facebook page about the appeal had been viewed more than 28,000 times.

“We have had donations from elsewhere in the country from people who did not know Dazy,” he said.

“They have heard about him and the appeal through social media and have sent donations. The appeal is being really well supported.

“We have money coming in every day and want enough to give Dazy a good send off and have some for Kelly and the children to support them.

“We have had donations of £1 to £500. The £1 is worth just as much because every penny will make a big difference.”

A bank account has been set up for the appeal and donations can be made to The Crown (Tenterden) Ltd, sort code 20-02-62, account number 63984354 with your name as the reference.

Mr Saunders had three children, Daisy-Mae, four, Beau, two, and 11-month-old Vincent.

He worked for Farm Butchers in St Michael’s and Tenterden.

Mrs Saunders said she’s had lots of messages of support.

A post-mortem examination last week did not reveal a cause of death. Further tests are being made.

For funeral details, call TW Fuggle & Son on 01580 763340.