A TRADITIONAL horse-drawn procession has been arranged for the funeral of Middlesbrough artist Glynn Porteous.

His widow, Rene, has organised the traditional send-off for her husband, who was well known for his sense of humour.

Last Friday, he lost his battle against cancer but she hopes friends and family will join her on Monday to celebrate the life of the talented Teesside man.

She said: "He was a traditional sort of man and I know this is something he would have wanted.

"Glynn was actually in the process of making a horse-drawn hearse before he died, so it is strange that he is now going to be going in one."

"He does not want any blubbering and I will try not to and I hope people will come back to the house for a traditional funeral lunch of homemade ham sandwiches and cakes."

In tribute to the well-known painter and model-maker, Mrs Porteous plans to organise an exhibition of his work.

As a young man, his artistic talent took him to Slade Art School, in London, where he worked before moving to Chester then back to his native Middlesbrough, as an artist for Cleveland County Council.

After 20 years, he and Mrs Porteous set up a gallery in the Forbes building, before setting up an art shop in Linthorpe Road which closed in 1993.

He was diagnosed with cancer of the colon in January last year.

A service will take place at the United Reformed Church at 2pm on Monday, followed by a horse-drawn procession to Acklam Crematorium at 3pm.