A MAN described by friends as 'a true gentleman' who possessed a 'wicked sense of humour' brought traffic to a standstill on his final journey through Hereford on Tuesday.

A horse-drawn carriage weaved its way from Hoarwithy Road to St Martin's Church to give Robert Bray, who was known as Bob, a fitting send-off.

Bob, who died at the age of 78, was a former director of West Midland Refrigeration in Hereford. He was closely involved with Putson Residents' Community Association, Herefordshire Tenants' Association and Neighbour-hood Watch.

Son Kevin said: "The funeral is more of a London thing, you don't see it very often in Herefordshire. It was mum's decision to have it. Dad was brought up in London and had always loved the procession."

He originally came to Credenhill with the Royal Air Force and then met Mary, who he married at Broad Street Catholic Church in 1947.

He is survived by wife Mary, children Robert, Tony, Kevin and Susan, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.