Manchester got here to a standstill as we speak as family members, followers and well-known faces gathered to say goodbye to boxing legend Ricky Hatton. The memorial service for the previous world champion was held at Manchester Cathedral at noon, with hundreds lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession. The beloved Stockport-born fighter, 46, was discovered useless at his house on September 14, sparking tributes from throughout the sporting world.

This morning, the cortège started its two-hour journey from Tameside, winding via key locations that outlined Ricky’s life earlier than arriving within the coronary heart of Manchester. After the service, the hearse left round 1.15pm, taking Ricky on one final symbolic journey to Manchester Metropolis’s Etihad Stadium. Amongst these attending are heavyweight icons Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew and Frazer Clarke, joined by celeb associates together with Calum Finest, Dean Gaffney, Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Coronation Road’s Bruce Jones and ex-girlfriend Claire Sweeney.