THE people of Highworth turned out in their hundreds on Thursday to bid farewell to a giant of the local community.

Rafu Miah, whose restaurant has been a feature of the High Street for over 30 years, died suddenly on Sunday at the age of just 58.

In the days that followed, tributes flooded in from across the town and further afield – flowers and cards were left at the restaurant and hundreds of posts on social media paid tribute to the impact that Rafu made during his life.

On Thursday, crowds lined the High Street, two or three deep in places, to greet the funeral procession as it made its way to the mosque in Swindon and on to Kingsdown crematorium.

Applause met the family members as they stepped out of the cars, the emotion of the occasion clear to see.

Rafu’s son, Omar Miah, addressed the crowds.

“My dad is watching us now,” he said. “He’s probably wondering what all this fuss is about.

“If he could see all these people he would be gob-smacked, over the moon.”

Omar described how he had broken down on a number of occasions on Sunday and Monday but had been given hope by the response of the local community.

“It’s overwhelming, everyone’s support, all of Highworth.

“The condolences and the flowers, it has made me even stronger.”

While Rafu was known for being the ‘curry king’ with some of the best tasting dishes around, he was also much more than that.

He was a friend to many, someone who would go out of their way to back local charities or even just to offer a supportive ear or a helping hand.

As one gentleman commented as the crowds waited for the procession to arrive, he was a ‘Highworth legend.’

Rafu’s brother, Safu Miah, stayed behind for a short time after the cars had passed to thank those who had come out.

He said: “Look at me, I should be crying but I just can’t stop smiling.

“Look what my brother has done, all these people, I’m so proud.”

Naseef Sughayer, Rafu’s friend and former colleague of 30 years, said: “He was like a younger brother to me.

“People have come out and waited for an hour in the rain. If Rafu could see us he would be laughing his head off.

“But he deserves everything - he was such a gentleman, he helped people, he was generous.

“I’m lost for words.”

Such is the desire of the people in Highworth to pay tribute to Rafu that they have started a fundraising campaign to purchase a memorial bench to go outside the restaurant in his favourite spot.

In just over three days, the campaign has raised £1,350.

Swindon Advertiser: Rafu outside his popular restaurant on the High Street in Highworth