A CROWDFUNDING appeal to help pay for the funeral of a Melksham man who died after he was pulled out of the River Avon in Bath has already beaten its target.

People in the town were asked to help raise more than £1,000 to pay for the funeral and wake for Maurice Eyles, who was known and loved by many in his community.

More than 75 people have already smashed through the target by raising £1,275 in memory of Mr Eyles, 49, of Bowmans Court.

Mr Eyles died on July 1 after being pulled from the River Avon near Broad Quay in Bath by members of the emergency services. Unconfirmed reports suggested a member of the public who had heard him shouting while in the water was also involved in the rescue.

Avon & Somerset Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, and an inquest is due to be opened by the Avon coroner before his funeral can take place.

Mr Eyles was an inventor who studied business and finance and performing arts at Swindon College. He leaves a partner, Louise Wood.

Friends launched the Crowdfunding appeal, with one, Graham Griffiths, who runs Griff’s Barber Shop in the High Street, saying: “I’m absolutely devastated.

“It’s quite clear that Maurice was one of, if not the most popular guy in town, if not the county.

“Constantly popping in to see how others were and making people laugh and smile.

“I would love to help him have the best send-off that he is more than deserving of.”

Another, Teresa Wells, added: “I will miss this guy very much. I knew him and his girlfriend. “Always had a story or two to tell. He was so full of life and adventure.

“He was taken too soon. Melksham will be a lonely place without him.”

To donate, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sendoffformaurice?utm_id=106&utm_term=zwZ3JGmdb