A SPECIAL memorial service and boat flotilla is being planned as a mark of respect for a popular Weymouth fisherman who was tragically killed last month.

The town was shocked when Eddie Franklin died after he became trapped in the wheelhouse of his boat Blue Sonata when it suddenly took on water and sank in seconds off White Nothe.

Now an event is being planned which will enable local people to pay their last respects.

It is being organised by Ma Bakers landlords Mandy and Paul Cox, who were close friends of Mr Franklin.

Mandy said: "Eddie's funeral was held in Oxford, which meant many people from Weymouth could not get there, so this is our way of remembering Eddie and giving local people a chance to show their respect.

"We have arranged a special church service in memory of Eddie at Holy Trinity Church near Town Bridge at 5.30pm tomorrow.

"After the service everyone will go down to the harbourside and board one of many boats which will make up a flotilla which will then sail out into Weymouth Bay.

"Once there we will hold a short ceremony, make tributes and throw flowers, wreaths and other tributes into the sea before returning to port."

She added that members of Mr Franklin's family would be on the lead boat and that after the short trip there would then be a buffet held at Ma Bakers with special instructions for guests.

Mandy said: "Eddie never called his favourite drinks - bacardi and coke or a pint of lager - by their real names. He always referred to them as a short walk or a long walk. So we will be asking guests back to Ma Baker's for a short walk and a buffet.

"All are more than welcome to attend the service, the flotilla and the buffet and we hope to give Eddie a really good send-off because he was a special man."

Mr Franklin's body was recovered two hours after the sinking while two other people working on the Blue Sonata when she sank were plucked to safety by a coastguard helicopter after spending more than 30 minutes in the water.