THERE were no relatives or friends to say a final farewell to a man who was buried today in Selby Cemetery.

His decomposed body was found in the River Ouse at Naburn Lock, near York, more than a year ago - but who he was remains a mystery.

Despite a major publicity campaign to identify him, including showing a clay model of his head on BBC TV's Crimewatch UK programme, police still have no idea who the man was or where he came from.

Today he was given a "pauper's funeral", paid for by Selby District Council.

The Christian burial took place in Selby Cemetery, marking the final chapter for a man no one seems to know.

There was no headstone and the only wreath to mark the grave was provided by local undertaker Tony Grundy.

Apart from the pallbearers, the only people there were Selby coroner's officer, PC Richard Scott, and the Vicar of Selby Abbey, the Rev Keith Jukes.

In a short committal, Mr Jukes said prayers at the graveside as the unknown man was laid to rest.

At an inquest in Selby last month, North Yorkshire coroner Geoff Fell recorded an open verdict on the man's death, saying there was nothing to suggest it was suspicious.

A pathologist's report concluded that the man was alive when he went into the River Ouse, and later drowned. He was said to be on antidepressants when he died.

Det Insp Steve Maud, of York CID, said that despite circulating the man's details nationally, and checking DNA samples and dental records, they were still no nearer to identifying him.

He said that 399 people had been checked as a result of members of the public phoning in after the incident appeared on BBC1's Crimewatch, all to no avail.

But he said the man's file remained open and if anyone had information, police would follow it up.

The mystery man was aged about 50, 5ft 7in tall and stocky with brown, receding hair.

Updated: 12:54 Thursday, January 20, 2005