HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a procession and funeral in memory of Big Issue seller Ralph Millward.

The 41-year-old was found dead outside Marks and Spencer in Westbourne last Friday morning and three teenagers have been charged with his murder.

At 2pm on Wednesday May 20, Dorset Police will close the road so people can slowly walk around 200 yards from the memorial site down Poole Road to West Cliff Baptist Church.

There will then be a church service at 2.30pm attended by Ralph’s 76-year-old father Ken.

The Rev Richard Burfoot said: “Judging by the response to his death I would think there will be hundreds of people.

“I also think there will be a very strong turnout from the homeless community.

“Ralph used to attend our Big Issue breakfast but had largely withdrawn from support services over the last two and a half years, though he still used to come in once a year to get his hair cut.

“His death was so senseless and so many people from the community wanted to honour him and the procession grew out of that.”

Tributes to Ralph have continued to pour into the Daily Echo.

Kieran Davitt wrote: “Ralph. You were a top guy, always polite despite your misfortunes. I’m sure that you now have all the riches you deserve. You’ll be missed.”

Laurent Pochat-Cottilloux said: “Ralph, I did not know that was your name but I felt I knew you as a result of your polite presence always in your spot. I can say it will not be the same without you and you will be missed.

“I feel sorry and very shocked at this terrible thing that has happened and hope you can rest in peace.

“You certainly did not deserve this. It is shameful.”