HUNDREDS of people took part in a memorial walk through Ramsbottom yesterday to pay tribute to the life of Steven Dyson.

Steven, aged 22, was last seen at 9am on New Year’s Day leaving a party in St Andrew’s Close.

It is believed he started the 25-minute walk to his home in Beechwood Avenue, but did not make it back.

He was reported missing by his mother later that day, sparking a police search of Nuttall Park and the surrounding area.

In the days that followed, members of the public formed organised search parties in a bid to assist police, before a body was eventually found in the River Irwell in nearby Summerseat on Saturday, January 6.

Friends, family and former colleagues of Steven were joined by members of the Ramsbottom community in paying tribute to him in a poignant walk that set off from the Ramsbottom branch of the Royal British Legion Club in Central Street at 3pm.

Steven’s mother Lorraine Roach led the procession as mourners, carrying green biodegradable balloons, made their way along Bridge Street and Railway Street on their way to Nuttall Park.

Once there, Bury North MP James Frith addressed the crowd to pay tribute to Steven and praise the support of the Ramsbottom community, before the balloons were released into the sky.

Ms Roach said: “This is our way of thanking the community. They have helped me through the worst two weeks of my life. They supported us throughout and I know they wanted to do something to remember Steven.

“He touched a lot of people far and wide and this is all about them coming to say their goodbyes. There will never be another one like him.”

Hollie Owen, a schoolfriend of Steven at Woodhey High School, was one of those who took part in the walk.

She said: “He was one of the loveliest mates you could ever have. He loved life, and he loved singing and dancing. He would not hurt a fly.”

A separate lantern walk also took place up Holcombe Hill, starting from the Shoulder of Mutton car park, at 6pm.

Meanwhile, a fundraising page to support his family has raised £6,000 towards the funeral expenses.