The family of Darron Venables, 33, of Woad Farm Road, has paid tribute to his memory.

Darron was found dead in a house in Puritan Way last Tuesday morning, but police had to wait for official identification before releasing his details.

His father Nicky, 53, of Spilsby Road, Boston, described the loss as 'the worst thing in the world'.

For him, it is not only the loss of a son, but a long-standing colleague. Darron had worked with his father on his business, Venables Flowers, from an early age.

"I saw him every day of the week," said Mr Venables. "It's just unbelievable. It probably hasn't really hit me yet. It will when I go back to work."

He continued: "He was my son and one of my mates, one of the lads. He was everything."

Darron leaves a son Sam, nine, and a daughter Angel, three.

His mother, Susan Farr, 52, with whom Darron lived, spoke of a man of energy and wit, a 'good practical joker'. She said: "He was my friend as well as my son. He was a lot like me, and we told each other everything."

"He will be sadly missed," she continued. "He was my beautiful first-born. I know he will never leave me."

Darron is also survived by his sister Kelly Smith, 31, brother-in-law Jamie Smith and their daughter Daisy-May, and brothers Josh, 15, Max, nine, and Jordan, 14.

A former Kitwood Boys pupil, he supported Tottenham Hotspur and was passionate about his car, a Saab 9-3 convertible.

His funeral will take place at 11.30am tomorrow (Thursday) at St Nicholas' Church. An inquest was opened and adjourned on Friday.