A WORKINGTON family have thanked the public for support following the death of a man who has been described as a 'great marra'.

Robert Bates, 53 from Workington, was found dead at a property in Blackpool on February,5 after he had been missing for a number of weeks.

Mr Bates had been officially missing since January 14, although none of his family had seen him since he initially went missing from Workington on January 3.

His sister Kelly Ann Outterside has thanked people in the town for their support both during the time Robert was missing and following his death.

After setting up a Go Fund Me page to 'give Robert the best send off he deserves' the family are overwhelmed to have raised £2,800 of the £3,000 target they set.

Kelly says this generosity has now covered the costs for the funeral, which will take place on Monday, February 26.

Robert worked as a painter and decorator in Workington, before going on to be a project manager at Amcor. He was a keen member of the former Clifton Lions rugby team and also liked watching cricket, as well as seeing his two sons playing rugby.

At the time of his death, Kelly Ann Outterside said: "Me and him were really close. I'm his baby sister but felt like his mother. He's at rest with his brother Ryan now.

"He was a brilliant brother-in-law to Glenn, an uncle to Jack, Natasha, Jake and Chris and a great uncle.

"He liked a night out with me... it is just heart breaking. I'm devastated after the last five weeks."

Kelly-Ann also thanked the Clifton Lions for their support and the meet up they had in honour of Robert last Friday, February 16, at the Royal British Legion in Workington.

Speaking on behalf of the Clifton Lions, teammate Mark Jones said: "He was a popular player and part of a very good Great Clifton Lions squad in the '90s, winning the Dale Campbell Savours Cup and the Cumberland League 2 Premiership. Also the Division 4 title and premiership with Great Clifton 2nd team.

"He was a great marra like all that squad, and was supporting functions the club had long after he had retired.

"A great lad who will be sadly missed."