A SEA of red filled Worcester crematorium today as family and friends gathered to remember a much-loved city man who gave "joyous laughter" to everyone he met.

Nearly 200 mourners packed into the chapel for the funeral of popular Lewis Mullan, 23, who was found dead in the canal basin at Diglis two days after Christmas.

So many people turned up, many sporting red and one or two even wearing Arsenal shirts in honour of his favourite football team, that it was standing-room only from 10am as 'Friends Will be Friends' by Queen played over the tannoy.

During today's service, conducted by the Reverend Clare Griffiths, she said Lewis was known for his "peaceful fun and joyous laughter", remarking how popular he was around the city.

She also said the young man, a former pupil of Cherry Orchard Primary and Nunnery Wood High School, lit up the lives of those around him and was known for his sense of fun and great impersonations.

Rev Griffiths noted some of his favourite pubs, citing Lloyds bar in Worcester, Brewery Tap in Lowesmoor and The Lamb & Flag in The Tything.

She also talked of his fondness for dogs and football, with Arsenal and Blackpool his favourite teams.

She said how much he enjoyed talking and laughing with people, saying dogs was often an ice-breaker for conversations.

Lewis' dad Paul Mullan, of Bath Road, also addressed the mourners and said it had been a "great comfort" to both him and his wife Anne that so many people wanted to pay tribute.

During the service 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac was also pumped out over the tannoy and 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney Houston.

The parents have also paid their own tribute to Lewis via the Worcester News.

Paul said: "Anne and I both knew Lewis was popular, but we did not appreciate just how popular he was.

"We have been very surprised and overwhelmed by the size of the response, and were grateful to all those who organised searches for Lewis.

"We have been touched by all the kind tributes to Lewis both through Facebook and by the Diglis memorial.

"We have also been touched by the events Lewis' friends have organised - we know Lewis would have been greatly moved by all this support, we have too.

"We have drawn strength from all of these kind people and want to thank them all - we would also like to thank West Mercia Police for their support and professionalism."

Lewis, who worked at DHL in Worcester, was also a former student at Worcester College of Technology where he studied painting and decorating.

He went missing in the early hours of Christmas Day after not returning to the family home following a night out, leading to extensive searches for his whereabouts.

He had been out as part of the celebrations for his 23rd birthday.

As well as his parents he is also survived by sister Emma and niece Christina.

Since his death hundreds of tributes have been paid, a Facebook page called RIP Lewis Mullan has received 2,250 likes, a special balloon celebration of his life has taken place at Diglis fields and a big football tournament is being organised to try and raise cash for a monument.

West Mercia Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

* The family ask that anyone who wishes to make donations in memory of Lewis should sent it to A.V. Band Funeral Directors, 41 St. Nicholas Street, Worcester WR1 1UW for Midland Air Ambulance.