MEMBERS of the public have been invited to attend the funeral of firefighter Anthony Knott and a special procession beforehand.

Mr Knott, who was 33 and a dad-of-four, went missing in Lewes, on December 20 while out on a Christmas bar crawl with London Fire Brigade colleagues .

His body was found in the River Ouse at Denton Island, in Newhaven - eight miles away from where he was last seen - three weeks after he vanished.

The firefighter’s devastated family are now inviting members of the public to attend his funeral on Thursday, January 30.

As part of the funeral, which is being held at St Giles Church, in Farnborough, Kent and starts at 12pm, Mr Knott will be honoured with a fire brigade funeral, which means uniformed firefighters will be present and a guard of honour will be made.

Mr Knott’s firefighter helmet will be placed on his coffin.

A special procession will leave Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors, on Orpington High Street, at 10.15am on the day of the funeral and well-wishers are invited attend and pay their respects.

A post on the Valentine & Turner Facebook page reads: “Anthony’s family have said that for those who wish to pay their final respects, you are most welcome.

“He will be honoured with a full Fire Brigade Ceremonial Funeral. The procession will be leaving Valentine & Turner, 262 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0NB at 10.15am.

“All are welcome to join other local businesses and community representatives as they line the High Street.

“Anthony’s family wish to thank everyone for their ongoing love, support, thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.”

On Saturday Mr Knott’s fiancée, Lucy Otto, encouraged members of the public to attend the funeral via her Facebook page.

The funeral itself is taking place at St Giles Church, in Church Road, Farnborough, Kent and will start at 12pm.