Friends and family light lanterns in memory of stab victim Josh Hirst

Friends and family of Mirfield man Joshua Hirst gathered around his grave at St Mary’s Church last Wednesday night.

More than 50 lanterns were lit and were allowed to float off into the Mirfield skyline in his memory.

Those present included Mr Hirst’s parents Julie and Terry, his girlfriend Lauren Pachnuik and his best friends Elliot Harris,Vikash Singh, Anthony Owens and Chris Meeson.

The 20-year-old, of Grove Street, was found fatally stabbed near his home in Hepworth Lane, Mirfield, on Friday August 3.

Three men are due to stand trial for his murder in the new year. Two of them also face charges of possessing a knife.

A fourth person will also stand trial at Leeds Crown Court for two counts of assisting an offender.