Tears and anthems for Ecky

Michael Eccles died in hospital the day after the savage assault near his home in Weston Road, Lichfield.

The 43-year-old was found unconscious at about 8pm on January 25 after buying wine and milk at a shop in Dimbles Lane.

Friends and family, led by Mr Eccles' long-term partner Yvonne who he planned to marry this year, and his elderly mother Joyce, filled the cathedral for his funeral yesterday.

His brother-in-law John Bayliss reduced the congregation to tears as he described production manager Mr Eccles, known as Ecky, as a larger than life character who would do anything for anyone.

"Whatever you had to ask him, the answer was always yes. If he could help you, he would," he said.

"If you needed something and he had it he would give it to you. No wasn't a word in his vocabulary."

Describing him as a great dad and friend, Mr Bayliss added: "Most of all, he was a great big kid.

"He started each day with an excitement you usually only see in a child. His cup was definitely half-full."

During the service, led by the Dean of Lichfield, the Very Rev Adrian Dorber, the song You'll Never Walk Alone was played in tribute to Mr Eccles' passion for Liverpool FC.

The coffin, wheeled into the cathedral by work friends from steel firm Rom Ltd, was adorned with a red, heart-shaped wreath and an white arrangement spelling out the word Dad.

The dean said: "All Lichfield was shocked by the manner of Michael's death and we all stand shoulder to shoulder at this dark time.

"Yet we are also here to celebrate the love and the friendship Ecky shared with his family and his colleagues and the community."