MORE than hundred mourners remembered the fun-filled life of family man Michael Blake, who died after being shot in the head.

Family members and friends clutched single red roses at the funeral service for the 28-year-old who was nicknamed Blakey.

It took place at St Bartholomew's Church in Westhoughton on Monday.

HGV delivery driver Mr Blake died on November 4, the morning after he was found unconscious in a ginnel besides the home he shared with partner Lauren Syddall in Manchester Road, Westhoughton.

He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head and another gunshot wound to the leg.

The father-of-one was discovered around eight minutes after he had answered the front door at the end-of-terrace house and had left in the company of a mystery man and climbed into a light-coloured van that drove off.

Reverend Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, who led the service, told The Bolton News: "Michael was someone who very much enjoyed being with his family, his partner and his daughter and enjoyed the company of his friends.

"He had a good sense of humour, and fun.

"He was very popular with a lot of people."

Mr Bracegirdle said: "Even though there is a lot of interest in Michael's death, in many ways it was like any funeral service: we're here to provide love and support for his family and to be united in grief and sadness."

Mourners, including his seven-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, sang hymns and heard a tribute from Ms Syddall and his friends Reece and Merrick.

Another friend, Cecilia Kitts, sang a solo and the congregation listened to a poignant song selected by Mr Blake's family.

There was a period of "meditation" to music as a slideshow of photographs of Mr Blake's life was shown on a big screen.

Floral tributes spelling out 'SON' and 'HGV-1' were joined by flowers from Mr Blake's mother Carole, with a note: "Always in my thoughts, always in my heart, always remembered, love you till the all the stars burn out."

Mr Blake was buried at nearby Westhoughton Cemetery after the service.

Five men have appeared in court in connection with the 28-year-old's death.

Three – Nathan Daniels, aged 27, of Nottingham Avenue, Brinnington, Stockport; Joe Wilson, aged 26, of Romney Way, Stockport, and Nathan Quigley, aged 30, of Cleworth Walk, Hulme — are charged with the murder of Mr Blake.

Two other men, Brendon Leo Fallon, aged 35, of Whitsbury Avenue, Gorton, and John Edwards, aged 46 of Farley Way, Reddish, Stockport, each face a single account of assisting an offender.

A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and a 52-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender are both on police bail.