Hundreds expected to attend tomorrow's funeral of Epworth boy Alexander Strong who lost his battle with cancer

HUNDREDS of people are expected to gather at the Methodist Church in Epworth on Tuesday (February 5) for Alexander's funeral.

Epworth Primary School and a number of businesses in the town are expected to close for the day as a mark of respect for the seven-year-old.

In tribute to Alexander, Dr Dan Yeomanson, his former consultant oncologist at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Alexander was a lovely boy who put up with all his treatment bravely and without complaint.

"He will be missed by all the staff at the hospital."

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Joanne Haywood, organiser of the Wish Upon A Star children's charity, who met the Strong family in 2011 when Alexander went to Lapland, said: "Alexander was so loved by so many and touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of meeting him, me included. His smile could have melted the snow in Lapland and I know our contact at the Red Arrows completely fell in love with him."

The funeral service will take place at 11.30am at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, High Street, Epworth. All are welcome.

The schedule is as follows:

12.30pm: Lincolnshire Golf Club, Crowle. All are welcome from 12.30pm but many will not arrive until around 2pm.

1pm: Cremation at Woodlands Crematorium, Brumby Wood Lane, Scunthorpe, for family and friends only.

People are asked to wear bright colours.

Donations are being collected by J Naylor Funeral Directors, Scunthorpe, in lieu of flowers. Money will be split between Lexy's Fund and Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

ALEXANDER WAS ALWAYS SMILING - SEE RELATED ARTICLE ABOVE, RIGHT