FRIENDS and acquaintances of a popular charity worker who died with little money to his name have united to ensure he receives a dignified send-off.

Jeffrey Buston died aged 64 last month - just five weeks after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer.

Faced with having to find £2,100 to pay for a basic funeral, his partner Linda Banks turned to friends for help and they dug deep to find the £1,000 deposit needed so arrangements could be made.

They have started collections at pubs throughout his home town of Spennymoor, County Durham, while an online appeal has raised £500 so far towards the outstanding costs.

The Salvation Army at Shildon have agreed to conduct the service, at 1.15pm on Friday, April 24, for free while The Victoria pub, in Spennymoor, will host and cater for a small wake without charge.

Close friend Steven Lloyd said people have shown remarkable generosity to ensure Mr Buston’s funeral.

“It has been an absolute strain and real pressure on Linda and on Jeff’s friends, at a time we’re trying to deal with his sudden loss to have to find this much money.

“Jeff didn’t have much and neither do we but we want to give him a decent send-off.

“We’ve got enough raised to make sure the funeral happens but need a bit more or the debt becomes mine and I could end up blacklisted.”

Miss Banks added: “I was worried we wouldn’t get to say bye properly and am pleased we can at least do that now.”

If they are able to raise more money, it will be used to pay for a headstone.

Mr Buston, known as 'Benidorm Jeff' as he used to holiday there, worked in pubs until about ten years ago when he cared for his wife, from whom he later separated.

In recent years he volunteered at the British Heart Foundation shop, in Bishop Auckland, and Scope, in Spennymoor.

Mr Lloyd said: “A little bit of his dignity has been taken away because of how long it has taken to arrange his funeral, we really appreciate everyone who is helping to make one happen.”

Singer Katie West, of Durham, set up the online fundraising page at crowdfunding.justgiving.com

She said: “Jeff followed me at karaoke for years. Soon after he died I went away and was shocked when I got back to learn he still hadn’t been buried because people had to fundraise for a funeral.

“He was a loveable guy so I wanted to help.”

Spennymoor Town Mayor Councillor Geoff O’Hehir said: “I think it is a serious comment on society that this situation arises but it says a lot about friendship and fellowship that the local community have been able to do this.”

If a person who dies has no assets or relatives to make funeral arrangements, councils dispose of their body through a public health funeral of which there were 15 held by Durham County Council last year.