MARLBOROUGH came to a standstill when the Romany community paid tribute to Sammy James on Thursday.

A horse drawn carriage took his coffin to St Mary's Church at 11am as Mr James was laid to rest a year after his beloved daughter Karen who had downs syndrome died aged 44.

He had also suffered the loss of his wife Queenie from cancer in 2008. The couple, who had six children, were proud of their Romany roots and the community turned out in force to pay their respects.

Mr James of Purlyn Acre, Marlborough, died on May 25 with his family around him. He leaves children Charlotte, Bert, Lily, John and Betty and was also a grandfather and great grandfather.