Hundreds of people gathered to say goodbye to Maryport's funfair king Rayner Fletcher at his funeral.

Mr Fletcher, 51, of King Street, died at his home on July 9 after battling cancer for the last two years.

St Mary's Church, on Netherhall Corner, was packed as mourners heard about the life of a character who couldn't say no to anyone.

The Rev Susan McKendrey, who led the service, said: "Thank you for coming to remember a very special man.

"A loving husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to so many.

"That friendship is borne out in your presence here today.

"It is a tribute to Rayner and the man he was.

"Men of Rayner's calibre are so few and far between and the world is a poorer place for his passing."

The service was followed by cremation at Distington Hall Crematorium and a wake at Silloth's The Golf Hotel.

The Times & Star attended the funeral with the permission of Mr Fletcher’s family.