BUCKET hats and bright coloured clothing will be the order of the day at the funeral of a much-loved Oswaldtwistle man.

Shaun McDermott, 45, died in Royal Blackburn Hospital after a failed attempt to take his own life.

His funeral will take place on Wednesday, May 30, at 12.15pm at Brave Church, (previously Hope Centre), Watson St Oswaldtwistle BB5 3HH, followed by a cremation at Burnley Rd Crematorium Accrington at 1.40pm then back to Brave Church.

Organisers have requested that attendees wear bucket hats, which Shaun was often seen wearing, and wear vibrant colours - particularly Shaun’s favourite colour red.

Friend Erika Anderton said: “He was a beautiful, creative, artistic man. He was the best break dancer, the best skateboarder, a wonderful poet and artist and he had a huge heart.

“He tried and tried but his depression eventually took its toll on him. He just didn’t get the help and support he needed.

“It raises how important people’s mental health is and this needs to be highlighted.

“No one who came into contact with Shaun will ever forget him and we are hoping to give him the send off he so richly deserves.

His daughter Mya Mae, who turns 17 this month, posted on Facebook: “This beautiful soul grew his wings, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

“There is now a hole in my heart that no one will ever be able to fill. He was so popular and too good for this world.

“So please always tell your parents you love them and never hold grudges because one day they might not be there. So I now have the most beautiful angel in heaven and I call him Dad. Good night, I love you.”

Family flowers only please by request.

If you would like to donate please do so to either the Go Fund me page to help with funeral costs or the charity MIND in support of mental health.

Shaun’s gofund me page can be found at www.gofundme.com/final-goodbyes-for-shaun.