POLICE closed Victoria Road to ensure hundreds of James Loveridge’s friends and family got to travel in his funeral procession yesterday.

James, 53, of Dumbarton Terrace, died on August 21 and his funeral took at St Bartholomew’s Church, in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Mourners met at his home, before the service,and James’ body was taken to the church in a white van, followed by four trucks carrying flowers.

The display included bouquets spelling “dad” and “Jim” as well as ones shaped like bottles of whisky, hearts, crosses and stars.

James, known as Jimmy to friends, was married to Louise, who travelled in the van.

He had seven children; Jimmy, Vicky, Jolene, Lacey, Roxy, Katie and Jamie and he was also a grandfather.

Swindon Advertiser:

James Loveridge's order of service

Niece Betty Loveridge said: “He was a lovely, lovely man who was dedicated to his family.

“He’d always support them however he could and loved the family greatly.”

Another niece, Mary Loveridge, said: “He was a great man who cared deeply for his family and we will all miss him very much.”

There were two Wiltshire Police patrol cars parked on Victoria Road as the funeral procession formed in Dumbarton Terrace.

When the convoy attempted to get on to the main road at 12.30pm officers briefly stopped traffic on the road to allow the mourners to travel to Royal Wootton Bassett together.

During the service, there were prayers and readings by Jimmy’s loved ones.

The service began with the Ellie Goulding song How Long Will I Love You?

Tammy Wynette’s version of Stand By Your Man was also played, along with Luther Vandross’ Dance With My Father, UB40’s Kingston Town and Puff Daddy’s I’ll Be Missing You.

The ceremony ended with the UB40 track Red, Red Wine as the mourners left.