A DEVASTATED father issued a heartfelt plea to young men to talk about their problems as he prepares for his son's funeral.

David Lilley said he does not want any other family to go through the "living nightmare" he has endured since his 20-year-old son, David, was found hanged from a park tree.

His body was discovered by a woman walking her dog in Thomasson Park, Merehall Street, Halliwell, on Boxing Day.

Since then, Mr Lilley said the entire family have been struggling to come to terms with why the loveable "Jack the lad" would kill himself.

Hundreds are expected to attend today's service at St Thomas' Church, Halliwell. (jan9) And Mr Lilley, aged 46, said: "If anything can be learned from this tragedy, it is for young men not to bottle things up. He was a popular man with a close family who loved him. There were so many people around him that he could have spoken to.

"We are going through a living nightmare.

"People who take their own lives do not realise the devastation their death causes to people who are left behind."

A former pupil of Smithills School and St Thomas' CE Primary, Halliwell, David was described by his dad as a "ladies man" who loved playing football and was a huge Bolton Wanderers fan.

"We have no idea why he did what he did. He was always smiling. He is not a person you would have expect to have done this to himself," said Mr Lilley.

David, who used to help out his father who ran his own garage, was a former player with Breightmet United and Oxford Grove FC.

He had two sisters Michelle, aged 22, and Carrie, aged 28.

Mr Lilley said: "His friends have given us so much support for which we are so grateful. The number of people he knew was unbelievable."

The funeral service will start at 11am at the church, followed by committal at Overdale East Chapel at 11.45.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Chorley-based children's hospice Derian House, to reflect David's love of children.

Enquires should be made to Relph's Funeral Service, Blackburn Road, on 01204 523488.