SCORES of mourners gathered yesterday for the funeral of John Robertson who was stabbed to death in a Darlington street.

Warm tributes to the father-of-one were paid at the service in St Cuthbert's Church.

Friends and family of the 37-year-old bricklayer heard him described as a "loving and caring husband and father".

As well as the large numbers attending the service, many people watched from the market place.

A mass of floral tributes was brought to the church, with the funeral cars bearing the words "Brother" and "Johnboy".

Mr Robertson, the father of a young girl, died after an incident early on the morning of September 28.

He was found in West Auckland Road by a passer-by, only yards from Cockerton police station.

At yesterday's funeral, the Reverend Robert Williamson told mourners to remember a man who was described by his wife, Julie, as "the life and soul of the party".

Mr Williamson said: "His fun and his unique sense of humour were shared in the home, as well at work and over a pint.

"He loved banter and chatted with everyone in exactly the same way, whether you were a work colleague or the vicar.

"John also took great pride in his home - adapting rooms, restructuring gables and putting special features into the garden, which he often worked on after a full day's work laying bricks.

"John gave so much - it is a tragic waste that he should have had his life curtailed so prematurely."

The service was followed by a private cremation.

* Dock worker John Barry Durham, 33, of Major Street, Darlington, has been charged with the murder of Mr Robertson.

He appeared before a judge at Teesside Crown Court on October 3, and was remanded in custody until November 29.