MORE than 100 mourners filled Hereford Crematorium yesterday, with many crowding outside to pay their last respects to Einstein Ellis.

The body of the 36-year-old bookseller from Barbourne Road, Worcester, who had been missing since November, was found in the River Severn at Gloucester on Tuesday, February 14.

He disappeared after receiving an answer machine message from his girlfriend telling him their five-year relationship was over.

After a short reading from St John's Gospel a close friend paid an emotional tribute to Mr Ellis, who he had known since his schooldays in Hereford when he had been known as Mark.

Mourners

Mourners then had time to reflect on their own personal memories to Bryan Adam's song Everything I Do, before joining together for The Lord's Prayer and the hymn Make me a Channel of your Peace.

A gathering was held afterwards at St Martin's Church Hall in Ross Road, Hereford.

Mr Ellis' mum Yvonne, who had been searching for him since he went missing, last week paid tribute to him.

"He was a very, very lovely son and he loved life," she said.

His sister Sharon Waygood said he was a "fantastic brother" and was "always looking out for her".

All donations in memory of Mr Ellis will be given to the Missing Persons Helpline.