HUNDREDS of people turned out for the funeral of Rossendale man Heath Nield, whose body was found in Whitworth after a two month search.

Around 300 friends and family filled Holy Trinity Church in Stacksteads for his funeral yesterday.

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The service was conducted by Rev Martin Short, who said the high turnout would be of great comfort to his family.

Moving tributes were read by Heath’s older brother Jon, who spoke of about his life, and his sister Lauren, who read a poem called You Can.

Tributes were also read out from his friends and Heath’s niece Hayley.

Members of Bowland and Pennine Mountain Rescue team also turned out to pay their respects.

And Heath’s dog Niamph was also taken into the church for the funeral.

Rev Martin Short said: “The church was completely filled with family, friends and members of the community who turned out to mourn him.

“I know that this will be of some comfort to Heath’s family.

“During the service I spoke of how there are many questions left unanswered and that tragically his family may never get the answers that are looking for. But Heath is now at peace.

“His family requested that donations were made to Bowland and Pennine Mountain Rescue and the Missing People charity.”

A two-month search was carried out after Heath went missing from his home in Rochdale Road, Bacup, in July.

His body was found on land behind Healey Conservative Club in Whitworth on Sunday, September 21.

Officers are satisfied there was no third-party involvement in the death. An inquest has been adjourned until December 9. Rev Short added: “Heath’s mum Christine was very keen to thank everyone who has supported them, and also the police, in particular Jim Aspen and his colleagues.”