Hundreds of mourners lined Stevenage High Street to pay their respects to a man who was at the heart of the community.

Friends and family gathered along the length of the street for the funeral procession of Mick Barnaby, a much loved florist in the Old Town and former Stevenage firefighter who was laid to rest today (Friday).

The married father and grandfather died aged 56 two weeks ago after a long battle with cancer.

The cortege, led by a footman, stopped at Mick’s florist as spontaneous applause broke the silence, before setting off again to St Nicholas Church for the service.

The coffin was draped with a Union Jack alongside flowers reading Dad and Grandad.

Mourners continued on to the church where around 200 stood outside because there was no room left inside.

The manager of Barnaby’s florists said of the turnout in the High Street: “It was fantastic. He will be really annoyed he’s not here to enjoy it.”