Traveller's Final Journey

More than 150 mourners, in around 70 vehicles, followed the seven-mile route from Charlie Green's home at Sproule Close, Ford, through Yapton and along the A259 to Wick and on to the church.

At Bilsham Road, Yapton, where there is a travellers' settlement, the cort ge paused briefly. There have been travellers in Mr Green's family for many years.

Two beautiful black horses pulled the carriage bearing Mr Green's coffin.

June Sutherland, who was in charge of the arrangements for Littlehampton funeral directors F. A. Holland and Sons, sat alongside the groom driving the carriage.

A horse-drawn trailer immediately behind carried floral tributes, one, from his widow Rachael, in the shape of a broken heart, and there were four pick-up trucks also laden with flowers, including one with a tribute in the form of a traditional gypsy caravan.

The main mourners, including Mrs Green and the couple's five children, travelled in five funeral limousines.

Lyminster vicar, the Rev John Slegg, conducted the funeral service and Mr Green, 56, was buried in the churchyard.