THE family of Lawrence Hart - the artist and meditation lecturer tragically killed two weeks ago - are hoping to bury him in the grounds of the college where he lived and worked.

If the district council and college trustees grant permission, Lawrence's friends and family say he should be buried in woods at Hawkwood College near the meditation space being completed in his honour.

Green burial specialists at the Stroud-based Family Tree Funeral Company are organising the funeral on September 8.

Lawrence died following an incident at the college on the evening of Thursday, August 18.

His ex-wife Celia Hart, daughter, Rosie, and partner, Julia Christie, have this week paid tribute to Lawrence, 53, - who they described as a resourceful and talented man, who touched many lives with his enthusiasm.

Born in Bournemouth, he briefly studied aeronautical engineering at Kingston Polytechnic, but soon changed courses and went on to gain a degree in Fine Art at Camberwell Art College.

Lawrence learned to meditate through the London School of Meditation and the practice became a major part of his life of self-discovery.

In 1979 he married Celia and they had two children, James, 25, and Rosie, 22.

They divorced in 1999, but remained close friends, supporting each other and the children.

Lawrence's daughter Rosie said she was grateful for the support he gave while she was studying for her degree in fine art.

She intends to follow in his footsteps and become an artist.

Lawrence met Julia in 2000 through their work as artists - they worked in adjacent studios.

He had lived at Hawkwood for the last two years, and was part of a group constructing a meditation space for the community in the college grounds.

The centre is to be named in his honour as a lasting tribute.

College spokesman Katie Lloyd said: "We are now more determined to complete it than ever before and are hoping to build the platform for the centre by winter."

Lawrence's family have asked that only close friends and family attend the funeral.

Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the meditation centre. Contact the college on 01453 759034.

Two Gloucester men have been charged with murdering Lawrence. Darren Botchett, 33, of Matson Avenue, and Ian Richards, 29, of Jersey Road, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, August 24 to face the charges.

Both men are also charged with causing grievous bodily harm to college caretaker John Jordan, 52. They were due to appear at Bristol Crown Court yesterday.