HUNDREDS of people are expected to pack out Hyde Church to say farewell to 17-year-old Ross Haughey today.

Fellow pupils and friends from Burgate School will pay their respects to Ross, who had been excelling in his A-level studies at the school.

Ross’s body was found by a member of the public who was walking near Linwood, three days after he went out for a walk on February 24 and did not return to his family home in Frogham.

His parents Brian and Penny raised the alarm with police and a huge search got under way.

Officers were assisted by members of the public and friends of the young man.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, but was inconclusive.

Toxicology tests are now being undertaken but it could be several weeks before a cause of death is confirmed.

Paying tribute, his family said Ross would be desperately missed and they would love him forever.

Burgate School headteacher David Pover said: “Ross was a lovely young man who had already demonstrated exceptional academic success.

“He enjoyed running and walking in the New Forest.

“He will be remembered as a gentle, modest student and our thoughts are with his family.”

The funeral will take place at Hyde Church at 3.30pm.

Donations can be made to Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal care of John Shering funeral directors of Provost Street, Fordingbridge.