THE ashes of rough sleeper James 'Jimmy' Murphy were scattered on the Thames today (Friday, 9 August) during a short ceremony at the Port of Tilbury landing pontoon.

The service was conducted by  the Archdeacon of Southend, Mike Powers, assisted by Port of London chaplain Ruth Campbell. Stanford councillor Gary Byrne cast a wreath onto the waters.

Mr Murphy was a popular character in the village of Horndon on the Hill and towns of Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham, who died while sleeping on the streets of Corringham on last Christmas Eve.

A local crowdfunding campaign was organised and supported by local people to ensure that he received a proper funeral service, with local people given the opportunity to pay their respects.

The service took place at Pitsea crematorium and afterwards it was decided that it would be appropriate for the former merchant seaman's ashes be scattered close to the borough's ports on the Thames.

Neil Speight and Ruth Campbell at the Tilbury pontoon.

Stanford councillor and Nub News editor Neil Speight helped organise the funeral and today's event and said: "I am grateful to everybody who rallied round to ensure Jimmy's life was honoured. 

"Today was a simple affair but the fact that Jimmy's fellow merchant navy colleagues were keen to support this  tribute is a positive reflection on the debt we owe to those who served."