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Union banners to line Bob Crow funeral procession route Union members pay tribute at RMT leader Bob Crow's funeral
(about 2 hours later)
Hundreds of people are expected to join the funeral procession of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union leader Bob Crow later. Thousands of people have turned out to pay their respects at the funeral procession of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union leader Bob Crow.
The union's general secretary, who led the RMT from 2002, died of a suspected heart attack, aged 52, on 11 March. The union general secretary, who led the RMT from 2002, died of a suspected heart attack, aged 52, on 11 March.
Friends and colleagues are lining the route of the procession ahead of a private service. Friends and colleagues lined the route of the procession ahead of a private service.
The procession will feature trade union banners and flags and finish at City of London Cemetery and Crematorium. Mr Crow's coffin was carried in a horse-drawn carriage from his house in Woodford, east London.
'Stunning success' 'Remarkable fighter'
Mick Cash, the RMT's senior assistant general secretary, said Mr Crow's death had rocked the trade union movement, both in this country and around the world. The four horses were dressed in blue and white, the colours of Mr Crow's beloved Millwall Football Club.
"The thousands of messages of condolence from every part of the globe are a testament to the courage, leadership and strength that Bob shared with so many people," he said. Hundreds of union banners were displayed along the route, alongside flags from groups including the Stop The War Coalition, which Mr Crow supported.
"Whilst Bob Crow's funeral itself will be a strictly private affair, his friends and family recognise that many people will want to show their solidarity, respect and support, both on the day itself and on May Day. These arrangements give everyone a chance to play their part." The procession finished at City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, where a private funeral was held at the request of the Crow family.
RMT president Peter Pinkney said: "Bob's death leaves a massive gap in the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him and represents a huge loss to the trade union and labour movement both in this country and internationally, and specifically, for the RMT members Bob led with such stunning success. Posters featuring a photograph of Mr Crow were also displayed at Tube stations across the capital.
"We would repeat the call for the privacy of Bob's family and friends to be respected at this time." Paul Kenny, leader of the GMB union, said: "Bob was a remarkable fighter for working people, but he was also passionate about protecting the health and safety of the public, which he never got any credit for.
"He was a funny, witty, interesting man, and the union movement - in fact the whole country - will be a duller place without him."
RMT president Peter Pinkney said: "Bob's death leaves a massive gap in the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him and represents a huge loss to the trade union and labour movement both in this country and internationally, and specifically, for the RMT members Bob led with such stunning success."
Tributes to Mr Crow will also be paid on May Day, with a special event planned in London.