THE mother of a popular young man who was found dead in a Taunton park says she has been 'blown away' by the community's support.

Mike Perry, 21, of Bishop's Hull, was found lying close to a stream in Goodland Gardens at around 10pm on Sunday, December 1 after going missing following a night out with friends.

Collection boxes were placed on bars across Taunton town centre over the weekend and Mike's colleagues at Mambo, in North Street, paid their respects to him at midnight on Saturday.

Mike's mum Angela Breckenridge told the County Gazette: “We cannot believe how much he was loved.

“Me and Nick [Mike's father] really appreciate everything that has been done - we have been blown away by it all.”

Following the news of Mike's death, Angela paid tribute to her son describing him as a fantastic young man.

Collections were held across pubs and nightclubs in Taunton over the weekend, raising a staggering £4,500 to help pay for funeral costs.

Buckets were placed on the bars and entrances to Mambo, Apple & Parrot, Pitcher & Piano, The Perkin Warbeck and Okoko along with Timpsons in North Street.

At midnight on Saturday, Mike's former colleagues at Apple & Parrot, in Corporation Street, and Mambo paid their respects.

In Mambo, Mike's favourite song 'T-Pain - Bartender, feat Akon' was played, a special tribute DVD was shown on their screens and staff stopped serving for one minute.

Rob MacDonald, manager of Mambo, who described Mike as a cherished member of the team, dedicated and reliable, added: “I can't begin to express our appreciation for everyone that showed support on Saturday night and contributed donations towards Mike's family.

“A massive thanks to all the other local businesses in the town that had collections, it's incredible how people pull together during a very sad time.”

An inquest into Mike's death was opened and adjourned by West Somerset coroner Michael Rose last Thursday at the Old Municipal Buildings in Taunton.

His cause of death was drowning.

  •  MIKE'S funeral will be held on Monday at Taunton Crematorium at 2.30pm. Family request football shirts or bright colours to be worn.