Preston’s great football player, Sir Tom, is carried into the Minster to be with his family and friends

People gathered by the thousands today to pay homage to their hero, a Preston legend known to all as Sir Tom. Although the forecast promised downpours, as if by a miracle the weather remained bright and sunny throughout the whole service.

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The beautiful wreath sent to Sir Tom’s family by FIFA with their deepest sympathy

As the funeral cortège entered Church Street from Lancaster Road the crowds applauded with unashamed pride for the man that they all loved and admired. Although it was in so many ways a very sad occasion you could not help but feel that all those present only wanted to show how they felt in celebrating the life of the unparalleled Preston North End footballer.

Not a dry eye among the crowds as they listened to the outside broadcast of the final hymn from within the the Minster with the congregation singing ‘Abide with me’

Following the service, Sir Tom was taken to his final resting place by the funeral cortège and the crowds once again broke out into spontaneous applause and gave Sir Tom the send off he justly deserved.

Preston City Council and all involved with the organisation of Sir Tom’s funeral arrangements in the City, must be congratulated in the results of their hard work; the logistics must have been a nightmare to say the least. Very well done indeed!

Flickr slideshows of Sir Tom’s funeral are available to view here:

From Paul D. Swarbrick (Historic Preston)

From Gillian A. Lawson (Cottongilly)

In honour of Sir Tom, Preston photographer, Melvin Nicholson, captured this marvellous image of ‘The Splash’ and it was the front page feature picture in Thursday morning’s LEP 27th February

Did you attend the funeral of Sir Tom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below