Sir Tom Finney

Today was the funeral for the late Sir Tom Finney, a football legend, former Preston North End and England player. I don't follow football, and have little interest in the sport usually, but this is one day when people came together to honour a great man and show their respect for him not just as a great player, but as a true gentleman.

As I work in the town where the funeral was to take place it was amazing, and extremely moving to see just how many people turned out to show their respect for this great man. Hundreds lined the streets to watch the funeral cortege drive slowly to Preston Minster. As the hearse went passed you could see the word "grandad' on the side. I'm sure I wasn't the only person to feel like crying.

As I watched the cortege pass the end of the street where I work I all I could hear were people clapping at they watched, no other noise, just clapping for this great man. What a show of respect! And this for the whole of the route, from Preston North End Football Stadium, right through to the city centre. Born in Preston he only ever played for Preston North End. Apparently he never won a championship medal or even and FA cup winner's medal. But given the number of people who turned out on the streets of Preston today, he won the hearts of the people.

RIP Sir Tom Finney.