HUNDREDS of people paid their last respects on Tuesday as ‘Mr Marlborough’ Alfie Johnson was given the sort of send-off he would have enjoyed being part of himself.

Mr Johnson, who died aged 88 on May 7, was town crier for more than 20 years up until 2016.

On Tuesday his successor Mike Tupman made sure no-one out and about in the town could miss Mr Johnson’s send off.

After the service in St Mary’s Church as people gathered on the road side he did a special shout in honour of Mr Johnson recalling his very full life.

Traffic in the High Street came to a standstill as he rang his bell as Mr Johnson had done himself on so many important town occasions.

Mayor Mervyn Hall had earlier done a reading during the funeral service after Mr Tupman, in his full regalia, had struck the floor with his mace to start the proceedings.

The service led by the Rev Janneke Blokland gave people of all ages a chance to reflect on Mr Johnson’s life.

Mr Johnson’s daughter Di was pleased with the big turnout.

Later Mr Johnson was laid to rest in Marlborough Cemetery as he re-joined his beloved wife Ann, who died in 2014. He leaves a daughter Di who was pleased with the big turnout for her father.

Funeral director Daniel Claridge said: “It was an honour to arrange the funeral for man the town considered its Mr Marlborough.”