MOURNERS filled the streets of Stourbridge to pay their final respects to a well-known businessman who died aged 80.

John Finney, from Delph Road, Brierley Hill, died on March 4 after three-and-a-half year illness.

He made his final journey in a horse-drawn hearse followed by a cortege of around 100 vehicles including trucks laden with floral tributes.

His son, John, aged 55, said: "He was very well respected by the family, he was like an old colonel. He loved life and he loved socialising - we will all miss him very much.

"He left his mark, he was a big man and we are very proud of him, he was very popular."

Mr Finney moved to Brierley Hill from Worcestershire in 1962 and built a successful business dealing in caravans and cars, in 1976 he specialised in trading former police vehicles.

He also owned a caravan park in north Wales and was a keen fisherman and lover of country music.

Around 300 people travelled from as far away as Australia to pack Our Lady and All Saints Catholic Church in Stourbridge for Mr Finney's funeral service on Monday March 25.

The procession started at Mr Finney's home and made its way to the church on New Road, Stourbridge, where a section of Union Street was closed for all parking except vehicles associated with the funeral.

After the service the cortege moved on to Lye and Wollescote Cemetery.

Mr Finney leaves behind his widow Rene, two sons, three daughters, nine grand children and four great-grandchildren.

His family wishes to express their gratitude to the Georgina unit at Russells Hall Hospital and Stourbridge Police.