More than a thousand mourners from across the globe congregated in Chester and Ellesmere Port on Thursday afternoon in memory of a much-loved traveller.

Our Star Lady of the Sea Roman Catholic Church on Enfield Road, Ellesmere Port was packed full of grieving family and friends, paying their respects to traveller, Jerry Berry.

The 36-year-old from Wrexham who lived in Elton, Ellesmere Port with his partner, Kelly Evans and their six children passed away following a heart attack.

Family of Mr Berry said more than 500 family members attended the funeral and the same number again in friends and acquaintances.

His grey coffin was carried into the church just after 12.20pm before family and friends followed behind to be seated.

The horse and carriage for Jerry Berry heading towards Chester Crematorium
The horse and carriage for Jerry Berry heading towards Chester Crematorium

As it happened: Ellesmere Port and Blacon Traveller funeral procession

Family members from Germany, Sweden, America and Ireland flew in to attend the funeral.

Motorists had been warned earlier in the week to expect long delays in the area as roads were temporarily closed for mourners to pass through.

Cheshire Police advised drivers to avoid the area.

Jerry Berry's body was taken to Chester Crematorium

From 11am, Enfield Road was closed while the service took place.

Hundreds of mourners remained outside for the duration of the service after the church had exceeded its capacity.

After the funeral procession moved towards Chester Crematorium at around 1.15pm, Blacon Avenue was also temporarily closed for safety reasons.

A Blacon resident sent us this photo of the funeral procession passing her home
A Blacon resident sent us this photo of the funeral procession passing her home

Diversions put in place sent motorists via the A5480 Deva Link and Saughall Road however access to properties and for emergency vehicles to pass was maintained.

The coffin was brought to the crematorium by a white horse and carriage, followed by four white funeral cars.

A fitting tribute

A touching applause was triggered at the crematorium as family and friends saw Jerry’s body buried.

Doves were released before Jerry Berry was laid to rest
Doves were released before Jerry Berry was laid to rest

Brother Tom Berry along with cousins Steven Berry and Jerry Berry who flew in from Long Island, America, with his wife, Anne and nephew Bill Flynn, paid tributes at the crematorium.

Tom Berry and cousin Jerry Berry said: “Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.”

Steven added: “We would like to say thanks to all family and friends who came today.

“We would also like to thank the police and to everyone for their support through this difficult time.

“He will be sadly missed by all. All our sympathies go out to his wife and kids.”

Nephew Bill Flynn added: “He was simply the best."

Did you know Mr Berry? You can pay your tributes in the comments below