THE funeral of Rico Dardis, left, whose body was washed up at Friars Cliff in Christchurch on May 27, will take place at Bournemouth Crematorium on Friday.

Father-of-one Mr Dardis, from Burton, was recovered from the sea by three volunteer coast-guards who have been rec-ognised for their bravery.

A thanksgiving service for the 31-year-old’s life will be held at 10am.

His former partner Paula Barrett said: “Anyone can come along; they don’t have to wear black. Rico was very popular and we are expecting a large turn-out at his funeral.”

Two Bournemouth men were arrested in connection with Mr Dardis’s death; a 49-year-old and a 50-year-old are still on bail. They are believed to have been on a boat with Mr Dardis prior to his death.

A Bournemouth inquest has been opened and adjourned into Mr Dardis’s death.