SECOND World War veterans formed a guard of honour to bid a touching farewell to a much-loved community stalwart today (Friday, September 19).

The funeral of Alby Burton saw hundreds of people turn out to pay their respects to a man who spent his life at the heart of the community.

A private service at Darlington Crematorium was followed at the town's King's Church by a moving – and musical – celebration of Mr Burton’s colourful life.

Born in Peckham in 1924, Mr Burton – who died peacefully on Monday, September 8 at the age of 90 - was a former Cockney barrow-boy who settled in the North-East after marrying his beloved wife, Florence.

He indulged his love of music and entertainment while managing pubs and clubs around the region and became a parish councillor after moving to Hurworth, near Darlington.

At today’s service, friends and relatives paid tribute to the soldier who once disobeyed orders to lead a group of German children in a lively dance through war-ravaged streets during Operation Market Garden.

The poignant anecdote was shared in a eulogy written by Mr Burton’s son, Peter, who said: “My dad treated everyone equally, from the boys and girls left behind at Market Garden to all of the people he raised money for, to well known personalities.

“He did what he could to make people happy and his motto was live, love and laugh.”

Mr Burton’s best friend and fellow veteran Bill Borrowdale said the loss of a man who had maintained a “get up and go” attitude until the end had left an empty space in his life.

Granddaughter Melanie, shared childhood memories of a devoted grandfather who stayed young forever and never passed a child without giving them a treat.

She said: “As a family, we’re only now finding out how many lives he touched.

“He was brought up by loving parents but had a difficult life and was thankful for everything in it and grateful for every day he had.

“His glass was never half empty, it was always half full and he could smile and laugh like nobody else.”

A young musician from the church accompanied Mr Burton’s friends and family to sing hymns Amazing Grace and I Stand Amazed while his love for music was further reflected in the playing of songs including Elvis Presley’s The Wonder of You and Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag.