SUPPORTERS of the greengrocer dubbed the Metric Martyr will gather for his funeral next week.

Steven Thoburn, 39, collapsed at his Sunderland home and died from a heart attack on Sunday.

He became famous across the UK for his battle with European officials over the right to sell his goods in pounds and ounces only.

His funeral will be held in St Bennett's Church, Roker, Sunderland, at 11.30am on Monday, before a cremation.

This will be followed by a reception for friends and family at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland.

He was due to celebrate his 40th birthday on March 26, and his family had organised a surprise party.

Friend and fellow campaigner Neil Herron said: "We are all devastated. He was a man of principles who took everything in his stride. Everyone who knew Steve loved him. What you saw was what you got. He was one of us.

"We will and must continue the fight in Steven's name and become an even bigger and more powerful organisation. He would have expected nothing less."

The father-of-three died the weekend of his daughter Georgia's seventh birthday, and he had arranged a trip in a stretch limousine for her on the day he died.

Tributes, messages and cards can be sent to Steven Thoburn (Metric Martyr) Defence Fund, 48 Frederick Street, Sunderland, SR1 1NF.