FRIENDS of a 20-year-old Torfaen man who died after a tragic fishing accident have raised £3,000 to help his family with the funeral costs.

Fishing enthusiast Tyler Cook, from Pontypool, died after falling into a reservoir on May 20.

The former West Monmouth School pupil had recently proposed to his long-term girlfriend, Nadine White, and moved in with her before tragedy struck.

To help the family pay for the funeral costs, Mr Cook’s friend, Jordan Orentas, has set up a crowdfunding page – which has helped raised £3,000 in just two-and-a-half weeks.

Ms Orentas says she has taken comfort from the community rallying around to support Mr Cook’s family, including his two younger siblings, Rhys and Paige.

She said: “It’s amazing that we can help the family out and I’ve done everything I can so the family don’t have to worry about the funeral. I’ve been in touch with them the whole time.

“I’ve suggested so many different things – there’s loads of stuff to be done just to keep myself busy the last couple of weeks just to sort it all out.”

As part of the fundraising efforts, more than 300 people are expected to attend a fundraiser to mark Mr Cook’s death at the Hanbury Arms in Pontypool at 6pm on Friday.

Paying tribute to her dear friend, Ms Orentas said: “He had everything good you can say about a person - there was no bad you could say against him.

“I grew up with him from school and I’ve been really close with him. He was a very popular, well-loved boy.”

Mr Cook’s funeral will take place at Gwent Crematorium at 11am on June 17 and friends plan to release balloons in his honour on the day.

To help his family with the funeral costs, visit gofundme.com/tylerjamescook