An estimated 500 plus people paid their respects to a 40-year-old man who was widely respected on the Shotley peninsula.

Lee Graham Adams was laid to rest at Seven Hills Crematorium today, with a guard of honour made up of fishing rods marked his arrival in a hearse.

Lee with wife Cassie, Issy, Casey, Jayden and Levi

Ste Adams paid homage with a moving speech about his eldest brother on behalf of the family.

He described Lee as a loving father, brother and son, and spoke of his love of sport and his achievements, playing football, darts, shooting and angling for England.

The service was led by the Reverend Canon Liesbeth Oosterhof, with prayers, readings and blessing.

Angler Roy Addock read the poem, reflecting Lee's love, and skill, of angling in particular as a world class caster.

The committal and farewell music was the classic Liverpool football anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' sung by Gerry and the Pacemakers.

The sea angling fraternity once again made up the guard of honour as the vast number of family and friends filed past Lee's coffin with a 'DAD' wreath of white flowers laid alongside.

Members of the family greeted well-wishers outside with hugs, kisses and stoicism.

Then it was off to the Rose Inn in Shotley for the wake, held at a large marquee, the garden area and in the pub.

One friend said: "The service, the demeanour of the family and the whole day, pretty much summed up Lee with its dignity, grace and personal touches."

Lee, who died of natural causes in his sleep last month, leaves a daughter Issy from his first marriage to Emma, three other children with Levi, Jayden and Casey, with wife Cassie who is expecting another baby in February.

The service can be seen here.