The family of Shane Starling, who died just after Christmas aged 28, is preparing to give their “Old Hill Boy” a “good” send-off.

Tributes have sprung up all over the Old Hill Estate in Falmouth following the untimely death of Shane Starling just two days after Christmas and five days after his 28th birthday.

Floral tributes as well as written |tributes appeared on lampposts and street signs in his neighbourhood to mark the loss of an “OHB” or “Old Hill Boy.”

Shane was so proud of his roots he had the letters “OHB” tatooed on his hand.

He was part of a well-known and prominent family on the estate, and |following his death at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro his sister Tracy set up a Facebook tribute page, RIP Shane Phillip Starling, adding the message: “Love u forever shine bright Shane like a diamond in the sky x”

The page was joined by almost 350 people in a week, with many messages written for Shane and condolences for the family.

Jo Curtis wrote: “Our love for you is not written on paper, for it can be erased. Nor is our love for you etched in stone, for stone can be broken.

“But our love for you is inscribed in our hearts, where it shall remain |forever. Love to u all.”

Clare May added: “I will be saying my goodbyes in a few days after that I will be able to look up to the sky and you will be shining like the star that you are. Rest in peace Shane,” and Sonia Booker wrote: “Pain free now angel, fly them beautiful big wings you grew, RIP Shane, thinking off the family and Digger [Shane’s brother Michael] you know where we are buds, love to you all.”

Shane’s funeral is due to be held tomorrow (Thursday), at Penwerris Church at 10.30am.

Tracy Starling said everyone who knew Shane or the family were |welcome to attend the funeral to give Shane a “good” send off.

Falmouth Packet: