The Bishop of Liverpool is due to lead the funeral today of teenager brutally murdered in an axe attack last month.
College student Anthony Walker (18) was bludgeoned to death in the Huyton area of Liverpool on July 29th after being attacked by a gang of three to four people.
Detectives said he was killed just minutes after he had been racially abused while standing at a bus stop with his white girlfriend.
Almost 3,000 people turned out for a vigil and memorial service to remember the teenager a week after his murder, and hundreds are expected to attend the funeral at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral on Thursday.
The Right Reverend James Jones, the bishop of Liverpool, is due to lead prayers at the service, which is open to the public. Mourners have been asked to wear soccer shirts in celebration of the Arsenal fan's life.
The murder of Mr Walker, described as a devout Christian and model student, shocked the local community and evoked memories of the 1993 racist killing of Stephen Lawrence in London.
Paul Taylor (20) and a 17-year old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday accused of his murder. They were remanded in custody until October 21st.