IT could have been any night in any club in any North-East town.

The drinks were flowing, the music was playing and the conversation was rolling.

But to the friends who were gathered at Darlington's Nestfield Club last night, one very important person was missing - Stephen Humphries.

The one thing Mr Humphries' friends agreed on was he was the life and soul of the party.

The party was thrown to remember the 53-year-old, who was found dead in an alleyway behind the Nags Head, in Darlington town centre.

Last night, the disco had arrived by the time the celebration started at 5.30pm, but it was not until hours later the dancing started.

Peter Crang, who worked with Mr Humphries and regularly socialised with him, said: "He would love it tonight. He would be dancing and getting everyone going. He was always the first on the dance floor."

Brian Boynton, a friend for 20 years, said: "Stephen would be dancing away now and singing all the songs."

Mr Humphries, who had learning disabilities and lived in supported housing, was beaten to death on October 6. He was buried last month in West Cemetery, Darlington.

Yvonne Britton, who runs Darlington Supported Housing and had known Mr Humphries for 18 years, said the party had been planned almost immediately after his death. Poems and tributes were read out, a buffet was organised, and a disco played.

One friend, George Bennett, had even produced a CD of Mr Humphries' favourite songs. They included Westlife's Flying Without Wings, which was played as his coffin was carried into church.

Ms Britton said: "We have planned this since before the funeral. We are doing tonight, what Stephen would have loved - informal and with all his friends."

A montage of photographs was put up with one common theme - Mr Humphries enjoying himself, either on a night out, on holiday or at Christmas.

Ms Britton added: "As soon as the shops put up their Christmas decorations, his Christmas tree went up. Even if it was only October. He loved Christmas, but he loved life altogether."

Another of the well-wishers was Jean Bannister, a friend of 18 years who regularly joined Mr Humphries on nights out. Their favourite drinking places included the Albert Hill Club, Railway Institute and Busters.

She said: "Stevie was full of fun. He liked to dance, to sing and to act the clown.

"This is the sort of night it could have been if he had been here. The only difference is he will be a big miss." She added: "He will still be dancing with us now, just he has gone to a better place."

* A 17-year-old from Darlington denied murdering Mr Humphries at Teesside Crown Court earlier this month. He will face trial next year.