MORE than 150 mourners packed a village church for the funeral of a man whose partner is accused of stabbing him to death on the Isle of Man.

Peter Ormiston, 50, was described as a 'likeable, generous, unforgettable' man in a moving tribute from his nephew Richard during the service, held at Whalley Parish Church yesterday.

Peter was found dead with stabs wounds on the Isle of Man in January, four years after he had relocated to the island from the Ribble Valley.

His partner of 15 months, Anne Marie Gosling, who he met after moving to Ramsey, has since been charged with Peter's murder and is due back in court next month.

During the service, led by the vicar of Whalley, the Rev Chris Sterry, what was described as Peter's favourite song - Paul Young's 'Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)' - was played to the congregation.

Peter's nephew Richard, who was also one of the pall-bearers, told the congregation that his uncle was remembered by everyone as a 'kind, likeable and generous' man who would never be forgotten by those who had met him.

Richard, who said he had visited Peter on the Isle of Man last December, said: "He was very happy there and was really enjoying himself.

"We had a few beers. Well, as anyone who knew Peter will know, it ended up being more than a few beers, but that was him.

"When I was younger, I used to call him my rich Uncle Peter, not just because he had a few bob, but because he would always put his hand in his pocket and give me some coins for a round or the snooker. While I was there, he told me how proud he was of his son Jim, and spoke to him every day.

"And I think we all have to be there for Jim and George to help them as they grow into men."

Mr Sterry said: "A sudden loss is often harder to come to terms with but I am sure that everyone here will help Peter's family come to terms with the loss.

"The circumstances are tragic but we have to think that he is now at peace. Perhaps in heaven with things to fix, like engines, which is what he loved doing.

"Many of Peter's former workmates are here today. He is remembered well by everyone, wherever he worked, as someone who gave his all to a job.

"They'd all have had him back."

Peter, who was born in Ramsbottom, attended Whalley Primary School and Ribblesdale High School before starting working in the building trade. He had worked for a number of local firms, including Castle Cement, and ran his own plant hire firm called Ormiston Demolition.

After the service, Peter was buried at Whalley and Wiswell Cemetery before a wake was held at Mytton Fold.

Peter leaves mother and father Roy and Margaret, brother John, a sister also called Margaret and his two sons.

Another brother, called Fred, died of cancer three years ago.