Firefighters carry coffin of dad-of-four Anthony Knott, 33, found dead in river after vanishing over Christmas
FIREFIGHTERS today carried the coffin of their colleague Anthony Knott - 20 days after his body was found in a river.
The 33-year-old vanished just before Christmas and was laid to rest in an emotional service this afternoon.
The dad-of-four was tragically discovered in the River Ouse after he disappeared on a Christmas pub crawl with colleagues on December 20.
Today a funeral procession left from directors Valentine and Turner in Orpington High Street, Kent.
His heartbroken fiancee Lucy Otto was supported by a pal as she walked behind the coffin, before it was placed on a vintage LFB fire engine.
A poignant floral arrangement, spelling out "daddy", was carried, and another in the colours of Anthony's football club, Orpington Athletic FC, was stood outside Saint Giles the Abbot Church.
One person held a bright green helmet, and the Hearse carrying his coffin was flanked by uniformed firefighters.
After his body was found on January 10, his family said his story had "touched the hearts of thousands of people" and thanked everyone who had helped in the search.
They added: "The people of Lewes, we will be forever grateful for your support and understanding during our searches.
"These three weeks have been so very hard for us all.