THE funeral of a heavy haulage expert described as the “King of Northallerton” saw hundreds of people turn out to pay their respects today (Thursday, January 23).

Dozens of people lined the High Street as the cortege of Peter Sunter, 71, who died last week, travelled to the town's All Saints' Church.

Mr Sunter was well-known as part of the town's Sunter Brothers haulage firm, which specialised in carrying large and unusual loads.

The cortege included traditional Sunter trucks, including Rotinoff, Atkinson and Scammell wagons, driven by former employees and family friends.

The church service was attended by hundreds of mourners, and despite extra seating being laid out, some still had to stand.

Family friend Jim Shaw gave the first eulogy for Mr Sunter, which included family memories from his wife Christine; daughters, Nicola, Tracy and Clare; and grandchildren Francesca and Tom.

He said: “His daughters have fond memories from when as girls they would sit behind the wheel of a truck while waiting for a police escort for one of his large loads.

“His granddaughter remembers visiting the Dales and hearing about his family history with him; and he and grandson Tom had a mutual enjoyment of Formula One.

“His daughters are so proud and admire everything he stood for – dignity, hard work and honesty.”

Mr Shaw added that Mr Sunter’s family wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming support they have received, not least from Herriot Hospice Homecare and Marie Curie for enabling him to remain at home at the end of his life.

Charles Tompkins, a former Sunter Brothers employee, said: “Sunter Brothers was a huge part of Peter’s life but also a big part of the lives of many here today.

“Sunters Brothers heavy haulage company was the largest private sector employer in Northallerton and an integral part of life.

“People were used to huge truck and trailer combinations that brought the town to a standstill.”

Friend Bev Bentley said Mr Sunter was often affectionately known as Uncle Sunter, and the King of Northallerton.

He said: “In the last week I have been looking at the history of the Rotinoff wagon used by Sunters. It goes a long way back in Sunters history and the original is now in the Science Museum in London, where Peter had donated it.

“It shows his generosity and his love of the industry. He will be sadly missed.”

The service concluded with Electric Light Orchestra’s Mr Blue Sky.

*The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of Mr Sunter's family.