Star date: 28th August 2015

CROWDS LINE STREETS OF SALFORD TO PAY RESPECT TO PAUL MASSEY

Crowds lining the streets near Salford Precinct applauded the funeral cortege of Paul Massey this afternoon. Hundreds of mourners in white t-shirts and jeans walked behind a pipe band, and four white horses, decked in Manchester United colours, pulling a white hearse with the words `Salford Legend' spelled out in flowers.

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Hundreds of people lined Churchill Way this afternoon to await the funeral cortege of Paul Massey as it passed en route to St Paul's Church. Banners draped on railings read `Simply The Best P.M.' and `R.I.P. Paul Massey Salford' as friends, family and the local community turned out in force to show their respects.

Just after noon, the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band led four white horses, decked in Manchester United colours, pulling a white hearse with the words `Salford Legend' spelled out in flowers. Scores of mourners - specifically dressed in white t-shirts and jeans - followed on foot, while a fleet of limousines brought up the rear of the spectacular procession.

As the cortege passed, the crowd broke into spontaneous applause and a replica European Cup was held aloft by friends outside The Winston pub. Around the corner from the pub, hundreds of people packed into St Paul's Church on the Broadwalk, with many unable to get in. As Paul Massey's coffin was carried into the church the crowd applauded again.

Everyone the Salford Star spoke to had a story to tell about Paul Massey... "He kept Salford sweet", said one person, while former next-door neighbour, Glen, said "I knew him as a very good friend and a family man. We lived in a cul-de-sac and had children's dos and many times he'd be passing and say `There's £100 get the kids some sweets'... and that is the Paul Massey that the media don't portray.

"He was 99% family orientated; I was very, very close to him and he was a genuine man" he added "A lot of people have massive respect for Paul, not as `Mr Big', he wasn't a bully. The trouble with Paul was that he said too much of the truth. Certain politicians like Hazel Blears thought he was too powerful but he was just telling the truth. He was a Salford lad who didn't want trouble. I first met Paul in 1992, I was very privileged to have known him and have come to pay my respects."

Another of Paul Massey's friends, Bernie, said "It's great to see Salford people coming together..." After the church service, the cortege made its way to Agecroft cemetery for the funeral...

"I like to look forward in life..." Paul Massey once told the Salford Star...