BURNLEY town centre almost ground to a halt yesterday when a procession of more than 20 vehicles formed a funeral cortege for a much loved bin man.

Road sweepers and bin wagons were among the vehicles which attended the final farewell for Eric Saporiti yesterday.

Mr Saporiti, 57, of Marsden Road, Burnley, worked for Biffa Waste Services Ltd in the town for more than 13 years and was a well respected and popular member of staff.

He finally lost his battle against leukemia after suffering from the illness for two years. He died in hospital on Sunday, May 4.

Many of his work colleagues and friends attended the service which took place yesterday afternoon.

The large procession of cars, wagons and vans gathered on Centenary Way just after lunch as a mark of respect for the 57-year-old before it slowly began to make its way across town to the funeral at Burnley Crematorium.

Colleague Dave Yeoman said: "He was a brilliant bloke and will be missed by everyone. This was just a mark of respect."

Mr Saporiti left behind his wife Margaret and daughter Nina.

His relatives asked for any flowers or donations to be sent to the adult leukaemia ward at Christie's Hospital in Manchester.