HUNDREDS of people from the travelling community paid their respects to a friend yesterday.

Mourners lined the streets outside St John's Church, in Darlington for the funeral of Alfie Welch, who recently died of cancer, aged 71.

Six vintage Ford and Bedford vans owned by colleagues of Mr Welch followed the horse-drawn cortege.

Each van was covered with wreaths and flowers from family and friends.

One mourner said: "He was a very popular man and very well respected by travelling people.

"People have come from as far away as London for the funeral.

"He was a very friendly man and was fond of a drop of whisky."

Some of the flowers celebrated Mr Welch's working life with wreaths in the shape of a tin of paint and one like a hammer and nails.

Following the service, Mr Welch was interred at West Cemetery.