A TRIBUTE to a 24-year-old fisherman who died in Milford Haven will be held next Friday (July 29).

Milford Haven Town Council is hosting a public service in memory of Josh Winsper, from Cornwall, who died while visiting the town with his shipmates in April.

It will follow an inquest into the young fisherman's death, scheduled to take place next week.

The service will be a chance for his family to thank local people and emergency services for their help in the search effort.

It will be led by Father Harri Williams, and police and local agencies including the RNLI and Port of Milford Haven will also be in attendance, but anyone who would like to pay their respects is also encouraged to attend.

The Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, said: "I hope this service will bring some comfort to Josh's family, after what will have been an incredibly difficult time for them.

"As a fishing community ourselves, we all know all too well the dangers inherent within the industry, and I hope the people of Milford Haven will come out to pay tribute to a much-loved young man."

Speaking after Josh’s body was found, his younger sister Paige said: “From all of Josh's family and friends we thank Milford Haven for all the support you have given.

“You put together an amazing search party to find Josh and everyone pulled together.

“This has been so hard for the family to deal with and we all would like to thank the rescue team, the police and all the locals in Milford Haven for your lovely messages and support.”

She added: “We are truly devastated by this terrible accident but his memory will always be kept alive by us in Cornwall and by everyone in Wales, and as a family we thank you all.”

Rachel Gerred-Hart, Josh’s aunt, said the family had been “blown away by the outpouring of love” from local people.

“It feels like the two communities have lost a son,” she said.

The service will take place at the Fisherman's tribute on the Rath at 11am on Friday, July 29.