Hundreds turn out for David Hilden's horse-drawn Gypsy funeral procession from Croydon to Mitcham - London

From the Sutton Guardian

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets as a horse-drawn hearse carried a well-loved Gypsy figure and traditional rag-and-bone man to his final send-off.

David Hilden, 70, was warden of the Latham's Way travellers' site in Beddington from its opening 40 years ago until his death on February 8.

Members of the Gypsy community turned out in their hundreds to pay respects on Thursday afternoon, following the traditional funeral procession from the site to his burial Figges Marsh cemetery in Mitcham.

The procession featured a horse and cart, floral wreaths in the shape of animals and flowers spelling out tributes to Mr Hilden, who died of cancer.

Friends and family - including Mr Hilden's wife Rose, five children and 42 grandchildren and great-grandchildren - left touching tributes to the man they described as "the best dad in the world".

His son Noah, 43, said: "He was a lovely man - everybody liked him. There were so many people at his funeral.

"He has been head of the Gypsy camp for 40 years. He was here when it opened. He was one of the last true rag-and-bone men.

"Without a doubt he will be sorely missed around here."

Loved ones also paid respects to Mr Hilden - who liked riding horses and hunting - on notes left with flowers at the cemetery.

One read: "In memory of Dave a true gentleman and friend. You will be greatly missed and remembered always."

Another said: "To the best dad in the world. Always thinking of you, always love you. Rest in peace."