Funeral courtege of scooter rider Ben Smith to pass through Bamber Bridge

Ben, 20, a father-of-one from Walton-le-Dale, died after being hit by a Transit van outside Morrisons in Bamber Bridge on February 11.

In the days after his death, friends raised more than £6,500 to pay for his funeral, describing him as “an amazing son, dad, partner and friend”.

Ben’s mum Paula Smith said his “final and probably slowest journey” will see his hearse driven through Bamber Bridge from Brownedge Road onto Station Road from 9.55am to 10.10am, where the family would like to see people paying their final farewells.

Social distancing rules must be observed.

Due to Covid restrictions, only 30 people will be allowed to attend his funeral service at Charnock Richard Crematorium at 10.30am.

Anyone wishing to view the service remotely can log into: https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view. The Login ID is 80515, and the password is “yndwhzce”.

Paula added: “It has been so comforting to hear all your lovely comments and see all the flowers and tributes that have been left for Ben. He really was a very special person and loved by so many and I hope he realises how many pieces of peoples hearts he has taken with him.”

Samuel Bretherton, 25, of Mellor Road, Leyland has been charged with Ben's murder.

A second man, arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with a wing mirror being struck from the Transit van just prior to the collision, has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.