THE funeral of Steven Dyson will take place on Friday, February 2, his heartbroken mother has said.

Lorraine Roach posted the details of the service at St Paul's Church, Ramsbottom, on her Facebook page.

Those wishing to pay their respects are welcome, but Mrs Roach has asked those who attended a New Year's Eve party which Steven was said to be at are asked to not to attend.

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

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.

Mrs Roach wrote on her Facebook page: "Steven's funeral service Friday 2nd Feb 1.30 at St Paul's Church Ramsbottom. All are welcome but please be respectful family and close friends need seating at the front.

"A private service will follow for just close family afterwards. My son will get the send off he deserves xxx.

"Thank you."

During the search for Steven, Mrs Roach made an emotional appeal for help to trace her son and called on those at party to provide information saying different accounts were being given.

On her post she added: "Footnote. Anyone who attended the new years eve party or their relatives/partners are not welcome and will be asked to leave . You all know who you are."

Last Sunday hundreds took part in a memorial walk through Ramsbottom yesterday to pay tribute to the life of Steven.

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.

Mrs 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.