FLOWERS were laid near the spot where a rough sleeper was found dead in a tent in Worcester a year ago.

The flower vigil for 74-year-old Cardon Banfield was held on the riverside path near Worcestershire County Cricket Club today (Wednesday) at 3pm.

The ceremony marked exactly a year since his body was found, the tent screened from view by a large tree and high weeds.

As previously reported he was so badly decomposed he could only be identified from his DNA.

The cause of his death will remain a mystery, the coroner recording an open verdict at the inquest.

Around 10 people attended the vigil, organised by campaigner Hugo Sugg who travelled from his home in London to lead the tributes.

Mr Sugg, 26, who had promoted the flower vigil extensively through his contacts and social media, said he was 'disgusted' more people had not attended, particularly from the official bodies and charities responsible for services for homeless people in the city.

Among those who did attend were Sgt Carl Jones who found Mr Banfield's body after a steward raised the alarm, Worcester city councillors Joy Squires and Louis Stephen, Janet Salt, a volunteer for the Maggs Day Centre clothing centre, and members of various churches.

Christine Baker, who said she was concerned for the plight of homeless people in Worcester, Sam Robinson-Adams and Mr Sugg's mother, Lindy Denton also attended.

Mr Sugg, who was homeless himself and knew Mr Banfield, said: "This was someone's child although he had no known next of kin or family at the time of his death. We have come together today to be his family.

"This vigil is to remember Cardon's life and the wider plight of rough sleepers and encourages a time of reflection amongst us all."

After his short speech a minute's silence was held. Led by Sgt Jones, people walked along the path to the spot where Mr Banfield was found, laying flowers on the grass.

One of those gathered - Peter Jenner - was moved to say a prayer for Mr Banfield in the hope some good could come out of the tragedy.

Sgt Jones said: "I feel it was sad a man had to die on his own, apparently unloved or unmissed. It seemed appropriate to come down and pay my respects."

Cllr Squires, who stood as Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Worcester, said she was at the vigil in a personal rather than political capacity.

She said: "We need to make sure there's never another occasion when somebody dies in the circumstances that Cardon Banfield died."

Sue Smith, who attended the vigil, said: "Nobody of 74 should be sleeping rough and have to die in a tent."