A BOOK of condolence is to handed over to Declan Edwards’ family after his funeral tomorrow.

The book has been signed by hundreds of visitors to Burnley Wood Terracefields Training and Community Centre in Springfield Road this week.

The 16-year-old’s body was discovered in woodland near Rowley Lake around 4pm last Thursday.

Karen Heseltine, chair of Dall Street Residents’ Association, which helps to run the Terracefields centre, said Burnley residents had been united in their grief for the teenager.

She said: “Some of the messages and verses that have been left would move you to tears.

“We have seen the grief as people come through the doors.

“You can tell from people’s reactions just how shocked they are.

“Because everybody is going out and collecting for the family, we thought the book was something the family could look at when they feel up to reading it.”

The book will remain open for signatures between 9.30am and 2pm today and from 10am to midday and 2pm to 4pm tomorrow, before being handed over to Declan’s mum, Mandy.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A memorial bench for Declan, of Waddington Avenue, is expected to be placed near his former school, Unity College in Padiham. It has been donated to well-wishers raising funds for Declan’s funeral by Trueshopping Group, an online retail firm based in Burnley’s Billington Road Industrial Estate.

Last night, footballers from Unity College took on a team from Shuttleworth College at Padiham FC’s Arbories Memorial Sports Ground, also to raise money for the funeral costs.

Another fundraiser is due to take place tonight at Bombay Lounge in Gisburn Road, Barrowford. The all-ticket event will feature a banquet meal and entertainment from rock ‘n’ roll band Ditry Suns.

Declan’s funeral will take place from 10am tomorrow at St Catherine’s Church, in Todmorden Road, Burnley.