Around 500 people gathered on Maryport Promenade to remember William Richardson, who was killed last week.

Eight close friends organised a send-off which should have involved Chinese lanterns flying into the sunset.

Only a small number actually rose, along with coloured balloons.

That hardly mattered, however, as people shared their memories of a man who will be much missed in the town.

A pair of golden boxing gloves lay in a box bearing the words: "RIP Wilta, a champion forever."

People were asked to put messages in the gloves which will be laid in his casket.

Craig Fisher, Billy Collier, Ryan Steel Ricky Scholey, Stephen Rumney, Martin Shaw, Wayne Cartwright, Gary Armstrong, Keith Anderson and Rannon Walker spoke of their friend.

They visited local pubs together and went on trips together.

He was a well-known boxer and his friends said at the end of any night out, he would be found shadow-boxing himself.

Coaches from amateur clubs from Whitehaven to Carlisle are planning to get together to look at organising a fundraiser for his family.

Martin Sewell, of Workington Boxing Club, started Mr Richardson in the sport.

"I remember when he was selectedfor the North West team to fight against a regimental army team in Bolton.

"He was so pleased with himself. He was last up and there were three of us in the dressing room when Amir Khan came in to talk to us."

One of his Maryport coaches remembered another famous encounter.

"Frank Bruno came to Maryport as a guest speaker. Wilta got a photo of himself with Frank Bruno holding the North West belt Wilta had won."

Both coaches spoke of his behaviour out of the ring - how he helped newcomers and his worth to the sport and their clubs.

Nearly 100 floral tributes have been laid in Senhouse Street, near where the knife attack happened on by railings on Shipping Brow.

Mr Richardson died last Wednesday after being stabbed outside the Maryport Labour Club in the early hours of last Tuesday.

Sean Morrin, 32, of Nelson Street, Maryport, was charged last week with murder.

Morrin has been remanded in custody to appear in the Carlisle Crown Court on August 29.