The funeral of a former Leigh sailor, who died after tumbling from the balcony of a house, was being held today (Monday).

More than 400 mourners were expected at Highlands Methodist Church, Leigh, to pay their last respects to father-of-four Peter Matthews, 41.

He was found dead under the balcony of a house near Boston, in the US, where he was attending a boat show. It is believed he fell during the night.

Members of the RAF national skiing team were attending the service.

It was being followed by a service at Sutton Road cemetery and a gathering at the Freight House, Rochford.

Mr Matthews, who lived in Leigh and Hadleigh before moving to Creeksea, near Burnham, skied the world-famous Cresta Run with the RAF. He was also a member of Essex Yacht Club, Leigh, and Benfleet Sailing Club.

Recently he moved to South Africa after separating from his wife Mandy, who lives with their three children in Burnham.

His mother, Maureen Kelly of Berkeley Gardens, Leigh, said: "The service will be a happy and joyous occasion."

Tragic - Peter Matthews

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