HUNDREDS of mourners packed Wroughton Parish Church to say farewell to a respected member of the traveller community.

Ted Wolton, who was fondly remembered by his family as the King of the Road, died aged 60 after collapsing at home on January 21.

As a block paver he had travelled the country and been a leading figure in the settled traveller community in Wroughton for more than 37 years.

The horse-drawn cortege carrying Ted weaved its way from the family home through Wroughton and up Priors Hill to reach the parish church for the service.

People travelled from all over the country to pay their respects and waited outside the church in the rain to watch the white coffin being carried in by close family and friends.

Carol Lamb, who had known Ted for 22 years, told the Adver: “He was a friend of mine for a long time and his children grew up with mine.

“He was a true gent. He never had any enemies and had many dear friends.

“He will be sorely missed by myself and by everyone in my family.”

Ted is survived by widow Mandy Wolton, his five children, Marshall, Shane, Kevin, Deanna and Chantelle, and nine grandchildren.

The family wanted to thank Wiltshire Police for helping to create a temporary road block to allow the horse and carriage to safely travel through the village.

Daughter Deanna said the response and turnout from the community and friends had been moving.

“We had a hard job fitting every one in at the Iron Horse pub for the wake,” she said.

“The church was completely packed, people had to sit in the choir stands because there was no standing room at the back.

“It was a really lovely service, each of us picked four songs that we wanted to play for him.

“He had a good turnout, considering the rain, so that was really nice.

“We’re happy with that. It went as well as it could have.”