FAMILY members of a well-known man in the Pill community held his funeral on his birthday as a tribute to him.

Trevor Stagg, who had learning difficulties, would always ask everyone to his birthday, his brother Martin said, so his large family decided a celebration would be perfect to remember him by.

"He wanted a big party for his 53rd birthday so we did that for him," said Martin, 47.

Balloons were released in St Woolos Cemetery and a singer performed Mr Stagg's favourite hymns on April 8 at St Stephen's Church, as relatives were told in the eulogy about the funny things Trevor had said.

In his earlier years Mr Stagg, who lived in Pill and was said to have loved it, would follow his father Arthur around and they would go for a drink together, until he died seven years ago.

In the weeks before he passed away following a battle with cancer, Mr Stagg was asked by nephew Nathan Przyborowski and partner Mo Bowler to be the godfather of their seven-month-old daughter Evie Lily.

As Mr Stagg was too unwell to attend church, the christening was held at Martin's home, where he had moved to during the later stages of his illness.

"It was superb, Trevor was lit up," said Martin. "He loved his family. He was such a warm person, always smiling and a gentle man."

One of seven children born to parents Joan and Arthur, Mr Stagg's difficulties came from an asthma attack in his early years, which deprived him of oxygen.

Despite being unable to work, Martin Stagg said his brother gained much pleasure from life, enjoying church music, watching TV, annual trips to Blackpool and anything to do with the military.

His family's love for him was shown in 15 tributes placed in the Argus four days before the funeral.