Crowds lined the streets for the funeral of a "hero" firefighter whose body was found in a river three weeks after he vanished.
Dad-of-four Anthony Knott was the centre of a missing person search in Lewes, east Sussex, after he disappeared during a pub crawl with his London Fire Brigade colleagues on December 20.
His body was then found in the River Ouse at Denton Island in Newhaven, East Sussex on January 10, reports Kent Live.
Anthony’s friends and family held each other and watched as his coffin was brought out from the funeral directors this morning.
Moments before, fellow colleagues said a prayer to remember the firefighter.
A touching arrangement at the back of Anthony’s hearse spells out the word ‘Daddy’ in white flowers.
Meanwhile on the floor there are further meaningful arrangements, including a football shirt in red and black - the colours of Orpington Athletic Football club who Anthony played for before his tragic death.
Heartfelt messages, bouquets of flowers and pictures of Anthony have also been carefully placed on the pavement.
Family members asked people to wear football shirts at the funeral of the dedicated Spurs fan.
A statement issued on behalf of the 33-year-old's devastated family after his death said they were "completely heartbroken" but thanked everyone for their "incredible support".
His fiancee Lucy Otto posted a heartbreaking tribute to Anthony.
"I love you, I always have and I always will," she wrote on her Facebook.
"Sleep tight my hero."
A statement on behalf of Anthony’s family, issued by Leonie Marsh-Williams, explained what people could expect from the funeral today.
She said: "Football shirts & smart dark trousers please. If you knew Anthony you would know he was a dedicated Spurs fan so no Arsenal tops please. Alternatively smart funeral wear please.
"Please note - there are NO toilet facilities at St Giles Church.
"The procession will be leaving Valentine & Turner, 262 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0NB at 10:15am.
"12pm - Service & Burial at St Giles Church, Farnborough, Kent.
"After, you are welcome to join us at the Daylight Inn, Station Square, Pettswood BR51LZ.
"Flowers are welcome, please can these be sent to Valentine and Turner, 262 High street, Orpington, BR60NB by 10am on 30th January.
"Our chosen charity for any donations is the Royal Life Saving Society UK
"Also for Anthony’s family that he sadly leaves behind, donations are also welcome on our justgiving page.
"Thankyou for your continued support x."
After the body was taken from the river Detective Inspector Mark Rosser said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Anthony at this difficult time.
"We too are saddened by this update and would ask the public and media to respect the families' privacy at this time.
"We would like to thank the public for their tremendous support with our investigation into the disappearance of Anthony, along with our partner agencies and volunteers who assisted with the search."
