Liam Payne's family and friends prepare beautiful send off as funeral set to take place

Final preparations are being made as loved ones gather for the funeral of One Direction star Liam Payne today, following the singers heartbreaking death in Argentina. Loved ones will unite to mourn the 31 year old who tragically lost his life after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16.

Since the incident, three individuals have been charged in connection with the death. Liam, who first became known after auditioning on The X Factor, suffered "serious injuries that were incompatible with life", and an inquiry into his death still ongoing.

Liam's heartbroken father Geoff returned his son's body to the UK two weeks ago, so he could be laid to rest. Today, family and friends will say goodbye to the singer, loved around the world not just for his talent but also as a brother, son, father, and friend.

A private burial service is set in the Home Counties where those closest to him will gather. The funeral will be followed by a wake.

Liam's fellow One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik are expected to be in attendance, alongside Liam's girlfriend Kate Cassidy. Cheryl, mother to their seven year old son Bear, is also expected to be at the ceremony, reports the Mirror.

As the community prepares to bid farewell, the church has already seen an outflow of support and remembrance, with exquisite flower arrangements adorning the entrance. In the early hours of the morning, flowers were arranged above the archway and dotted the way into the church with white roses and a sweep of autumn-coloured leaves, while candles lined the path.

Liam's send-off has been meticulously planned by his family to honour his memory fittingly. According to an insider speaking to The Sun: "His family have gone to great lengths to put together the perfect service and give him the send off he deserves. Liam may have been a global superstar but to Geoff and Karen he will always be their little boy. It is going to be an incredibly difficult day."

Simon Cowell, who helped manage One Directions rise to fame, is also expected to attend the funeral. In a joint statement last month, One Direction said: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.

"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."