A much-loved bin man was buried on Monday after his horse-drawn funeral cortège took him on a final trip past his place of work.

Peter Ward, 49, was a refuse collector on the historic Surrey Street market for more than 30 years.

He died after a short battle with cancer and was buried at Bandon Hill Cemetery on Monday, November 2.

As part of his final wishes his funeral procession made its way through the market with a horse drawn carriage carrying his body.

The avid Arsenal supporter had loved football since the age of 12 and often took his son and two daughters to matches at the Emirates stadium.

Sister-in-law, Susan Garvey, 52, said: “He was a terrific, mild mannered man, he ran 25 miles a week and had completed marathons across the country for charity.

“He raised money for Great Ormand Street Hospital and St Christopher's Hospice among many others.”

Tim Holden, a fourth generation market stall holder and Mr Ward’s friend for more than 40 years said: “I was privileged to be able to call Pete my friend.

“He was an absolute gentleman, he was so fit I was actually jealous of him, I just can’t believe this happened, I didn’t even get to say goodbye at the hospital.

“Pete ran everywhere but he was the only bloke I knew who never ran for a bus.

"He didn’t even know what public transport was, he’d just run everywhere.

Mr Ward had been training for a half-marathon when he was taken ill with breathing difficulties and a scan showed he had cancer.

Mr Holden said: “We used to meet up every morning before work for a drink and put the world to rights.

"I just can’t believe someone who I saw everyday, isn’t around any more.”

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