Crowds gathered last week as a JCB led a funeral procession for a well loved former driver.

Mervyn Shorrock was a JCB driver for more than 40 years and his family felt it would be a fitting send off for the vehicle to lead the procession.

Mervyn, of Heron Way, Oswaldtwistle, died on Thursday, September 26, aged 65.

The cortege left from Fielding Lane, Oswaldtwistle on Thursday, October 3 for a funeral service held at Immanuel Church, New Lane.

Brother Steven, 63, of Edinburgh Drive, was moved by the public turnout.

He said: “It was such an overwhelming day - there were people stopping in the streets to watch, it was just unbelievable.

“The service was attended by around 400 people and collectively £880 was donated to Cancer Research and Macmillan Nurses.

“It was such a humbling day to see so many people out.”

The JCB was fittingly driven by Graeme Procter, who had been taught how to drive the vehicle by Mervyn some 20 years ago.

Graeme, 44, said: “It was a very moving day and a fitting send off for great fella. I felt humbled to be taking Mervyn on his last journey.”

Mervyn leaves brother Steve, partner Jean, daughter Joanne, son Mark, daughter-in-law Lisa, son-in-law Gary and grandchildren Corey, Callum, Grace and Max.

Mervyn Shorrock
Mervyn Shorrock