THE North-East bade a fond farewell yesterday to one of its heroes - football legend George Hardwick.

The 84-year-old, who died on Monday following a long illness, was a real-life Roy of the Rover's figure for generations of Middlesbrough fans.

Boro fanzine editor Rob Nichols was one of many fans who lined the route of the funeral cortege yesterday.

Referring also to the passing of fellow soccer icon Wilf "Golden Boy" Mannion, four years ago, Mr Nichol said: "The names Wilf Mannion and George Hardwick were names we were brought up on. They were legendary names, when we were kids.

"As you get older, you look back and appreciate their phenomenal achievements. When George Hardwick captained England 13 times and you see this chap who looks as though he's stepped out of a comic book, really impressive to talk to, witty and amusing, you know why he was a legend.

"He went through the war and was wounded, suffering shrapnel wounds in both his legs. When I spoke to him, he struck me as a gentleman. He always told a funny story and was quite playful - a really nice man."

Mr Nichols, 41, watched as the hearse was halted for two minutes as it passed the site of Middlesbrough's former Ayresome Park ground, where Hardwick played football.

He said: "I was on the street as he went by Ayresome and it was quite moving. There were quite a few people there. I thought at first about 40 people, but when I looked up after the hearse had gone, I saw there were many more."

Hardwick was one of only two Boro players to have captained England. The other player, present Boro captain Gareth Southgate, was among mourners at the ecumenical funeral service, held at St Mary's Church, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.

So too was Boro born soccer legend Brian Clough.

Boro manager Steve McLaren was in attendance, with chief executive Keith Lamb and commercial manager Graham Fordy, a family friend.

Former Middlesbrough players Rolando Ugolini, Frank Spraggon and Alan Peacock, and former Sunderland player John Bollands were pall bearers.

Made a freeman of the borough of Redcar and Cleveland, nearly two years ago, Gentleman George never forgot his early days playing football with a youth team at Lingdale, east Cleveland.