A HORRABRIDGE man was among the hundreds of mourners who packed Leeds Cathedral to pay their respects at the funeral of Sir Jimmy Savile earlier this month.

Ian Robinson of Sortridge, who has raised thousands of pounds for charity himself, met the famous fundraiser and DJ in 1980, and credits him with inspiring his own work to help those less fortunate than himself.

Ian said: 'The service was an emotional celebration, with every ounce of Roman Catholic pomp afforded him, in such a beautiful building.

'In the hushed congregation, lumps came to throats as spontaneous applause erupted outside, when the cortege completed its tour of the city.

'There was more applause as seven Royal Marine pall-bearers bore the gold-coloured casket towards the altar.

'Jimmy was one of only two non-combatants to ever earn the cherished green beret, which has gone to the grave with him, along with a Help for Heroes wristband.'

Ian has raised money for St Luke's Hospice, Devon Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled and cancer charities. He has also made four aid runs to Bosnia — work he said was influenced by meeting Sir Jimmy.

'I'm so glad I went to the funeral,' said Ian, who has recently been made a trustee of Riding for the Disabled. The charity is due to launch its new four-wheel carriage this weekend, following a successful fundraising appeal.