Friends held an emotional farewell on Monday for a kind-hearted gardening tramp who touched the lives of many Croydon residents.

Williem Dengler’s funeral was held for the “likeable character” at the Croydon Tabernacle Church on Parson’s Mead, Croydon.

Neighbours and other homeless friends attended to pay their last respects to the Czech national.

Friend and funeral organiser, Kay Barot of Mitcham Road, said: “I think the funeral went really well, it was a nice send off for him.

“It was so lovely to see that all the other homeless people at the Tabernacle Church has made such an effort.

"They had all washed and had clean clothes on, all through the ceremony they kept touching the coffin, it was very emotional.”

He was thought to have lived in the Mitcham Road area of west Croydon, for about seven years and according to neighbours was polite, respectful and helpful to all he came into contact with.

Miss Barot has been so touched by the death of Mr Dengler that she has decided to volunteer every Sunday she has available at the church where his ceremony was held.

The church holds a breakfast morning every Sunday where Croydon’s homeless can be guaranteed a hot meal for the weak.

Miss Barot added: "I am glad he is in a peaceful place now.

"He did so much for everyone in the community, even though he had nothing really to give apart from his time."

In two weeks Miss Barot will collect Mr Dengler’s ashes and scatter them by the sea.

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