FRIENDS and family gave former Trowbridge Cricket Club chairman Brian Scrine a fitting send-off at his funeral on Monday.

Hundreds of people went along to pay their respects to Mr Scrine, who died at the age of 78 at his home in Hilperton Marsh on August 6.

As his hearse was driven down to West Wiltshire Crematorium, in Semington, at 3.30pm, a huge line-up of Alpha Taxis, a business he set up 50 years ago, followed.

His coffin was carried into the crematorium by members of the Trowbridge cricket team at around 4pm.

Personal tributes came from the Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon cricket clubs, Alpha Taxis and his granddaughter Rumi.

In part of her tribute, Rumi said: “You never really appreciate someone enough until they are gone and it’s been amazing to see how loved Brian was by so many people.

“It’s impossible to explain how me, my mum, my gran and everyone who was lucky enough to know Brian are going to miss him.

“I am so blessed to call him my grandad. Thank you.”

Along with eulogies, hymns, tributes and poems that were part of the service, the exit music was Another One Bites The Dust by Queen.

Bill Feltham, of Alpha Taxis, said in his tribute: “I’d like to read a letter given to me by someone he helped at their lowest point.

“I don’t like saying goodbye either but at least we can give him the send-off he deserved. Goodnight Brian.”

Tom Weaver, of Trowbridge Cricket Club, asked those present on the day to take a moment to remember a conversation, gesture or recollection of Mr Scrine to offer up their private thoughts in memory of him.

“I thank you on behalf of all Brian’s family for turning out in such numbers to pay your respects,” he said.

Mr Scrine was also well known for coaching Hilperton Football Club and for captaining Bradford on Avon Cricket Club for 20 years.

Michael Smith, of Bradford on Avon Cricket Club, said: “As the sun goes down, the stumps have been drawn for the last time.

“Thank you Brian for your stewardship of the game of the game well all love.

“Thank you for the help you have given me and thank you from Bradford on Avon Cricket Club.”

After the service, many went back to Trowbridge Cricket Club to raise a glass to Mr Scrine.

When he died in August, his partner of 34 years, Christine Davies, said the love and support from people that knew him has meant the world to her.