Ricky Hatton’s funeral took place in Manchester on Friday, almost a month after his death shocked the city and the sporting community. In an extraordinary farewell, thousands of mourners gathered in the streets as the funeral procession traveled through Manchester, stopping at places that had special significance during his life.

Among those who paid their respects were ex-girlfriend, TV actress Claire Sweeney and Oasis singer Liam Gallagher. Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury, Elated Mondays’ Shaun Ryder and Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, reality star Calum Best, comedian Paddy McGuinness, former cricket legend Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and actor Dean Gaffney were also seen on Friday.

The private memorial service began at noon following the arrival of Hatton’s funeral procession, led by the iconic Reliant van from Only Fools and Horses. The former world boxing champion was an avid fan of the comedy series Del Boy and Rodney.

Hatton had previously purchased one of the original tricycles for £4,000 which he could ride around his beloved hometown. Also arriving at the cathedral were boxers Frazer Clarke and Natasha Jonas, former boxers Amir Khan, Scott Welch, Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan and Anthony Crolla, former Manchester City player Mike Summerbee, pundit and former footballer Chris Kamara and Hatton’s previous coach, Billy Graham.

Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world and beyond following the boxing legend’s death at the age of 46 at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14. Outside the cathedral, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told Sky Sports News: “Ricky was a real working-class hero and that is clear from the numbers outside.

LIVE: Coverage of the funeral of boxing legend Ricky Hatton

“When I was elected mayor, I would show up and he would be on the corner of an event, sometimes a very low-key one. He would show up for the people – you can’t say that about everyone in life, but Ricky showed up for the people, and that really matters.”

“He is one of the greatest British players ever. He should be remembered above all for rising to the top and making this place in the country proud.”

As mourners gathered, a brass band performed Winter Wonderland, associated with his supporters’ chant of “There’s Only One Ricky Hatton,” which echoed throughout the numerous arenas in which he participated. When the funeral procession arrived, the hundreds of people outside erupted in applause.

There were repeated shouts of “Come on, Ricky” and people chanting: “There’s only one Ricky Hatton.” On their way to the memorial service, the cortege stopped at the Cheshire Cheese pub – Hatton’s venue – on Stockport Road, Hyde, and were greeted with applause from mourners before leaving at 9.45am.

The procession continued to the Harehill Tavern before pigeons were released in Hatton’s honor at The Fresh Inn. The touching moment took place at Hatton’s Gym, where emotional fans sang and took photos.

Supporters gathered around the cathedral in anticipation of the service. Photos of the stars who came to pay their respects can be viewed here.