Michael Jackson’s body is to go on public display at his former home, Neverland, according to reports.

The star is to be transported from Los Angeles to the ranch in Santa Barbara – a journey of 130 miles – on Friday.

Upon arrival, it will go on display until a private memorial service is held on Sunday, CNN claims.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Indiana, has said he hopes the star can be buried there.

The city has proposed that Jackson is buried near the proposed site for a Jackson family museum, a spokeswoman said.

There has been widespread speculation over whether or not Jackson would be given a public send off following his death last Thursday.

But to some a return to Neverland has been inevitable.

Jackson bought the ranch in 1987 and transformed it into sprawling home complete with theme park and zoo.

But he left in the wake of his 2005 child molestation trial, where he was found not guilty.

Jackson was later forced to surrender ownership of the property due to financial trouble but retained a stake in it.

Jackson's father, Joseph, said yesterday that the star would not be buried at his former home.

(by Jason Gregory)