THE family of tragic North Yorkshire student Joe Medforth told today how they had been overwhelmed by messages of support.

His father, Albert, from Ryther, between York and Selby, said their home had been inundated with sympathy cards - many from kind strangers in Lancashire, where Joe died.

Joe, 21, a psychology student and former Tadcaster Grammar pupil, died in hospital in Preston, following a brutal street attack. He had been on his way home with friends after enjoying a night out.

Joe's funeral will take place at 1pm on Thursday, August 11, at St Wilfred's CE Church in Brayton, as he was christened there.

Mr Medforth said they did not want a sombre service, but wished it to be full of "nice words and a real celebration of Joe's life".

"His life was too short and we are devastated," Mr Medforth said.

"We've had hundreds of cards and letters from people we don't even know. People from Preston wrote and told us they were devastated by what happened.

"We've also had amazing support from our family and friends.

"It has helped us tremendously."

Mr Medforth said a coachload of Joe's university friends from Preston were expected at the funeral, along with his former classmates from Tadcaster Grammar School.

A special plaque will be erected in his memory in the grounds of a Shaolin Temple in London, where Joe studied Kung Fu for a year.

"He was very highly thought of there and they will be holding a special service for him," said Mr Medforth, whose other son, Gary, tragically died more than 20 years ago. "Joe would have liked to have taken up Kung Fu more seriously and may have gone on to teach it."

Joe's sister Laura is set to sing a special song at the funeral, and a former classmate will give an address.

Mr Medforth, who has two remaining sons, Andrew and Nigel, ran the post office at nearby Cawood for many years with his wife Susan, before moving to Ryther. Joe grew up in Brayton, near Selby.

Two men have appeared in court charged with Joe's murder. Anthony Silcock, 19, from Preston, and Carl Newton, 20, from the Chorley area, have been remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on October 25.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, August 05, 2005