PRAYERS have been said for the family of Lord David Wharton.

The Press told earlier this week how an inquest heard Mr Wharton - the uncle of famous York boxer Henry Wharton - had died of head injuries.

His family are now be able to go ahead with plans for his funeral, which will be held at St Denys Church, in Walmgate, at 10am, on April 12, followed by an interment at Fulford Cemetery at 11am.

The Rev David Goodhew, who will be taking the service, said: "This is obviously a very unfortunate situation, and I will be praying for the family.

"I hope the service will be of some comfort to them."

He said he would be discussing the details of the service with the family this week.

The wake had been expected to take place at Tramways Employees Club and Institute in Mill Street, but the venue is already booked.

A spokeswoman said: "Regrettably it can't be accommodated."

Police are already making arrangements to have extra resources available in the city centre on that day, with more patrols in the area as hundreds of mourners expected to attend the service.

Some city centre pubs have confirmed they are planning to close.

Earlier this week an inquest heard a post mortem examination found Mr Wharton, 56, died of head injuries.

He had been assaulted during a night out, and returned home with bruising to his left eye and the right side of his mouth.

He was unwell that night and complained of headaches.

His wife, Dawn, returned home the following day to find him dead.

Three days later, detectives investigating the death of Mr Wharton arrested a 46-year-old local man in connection with their inquiries, but he was later released on police bail.

A police source told The Press that a fight had broken out between Mr Wharton and one of his relatives on the night before he died.