Royal Wootton Bassett says final goodbye to much-loved builder

In accordance with the 43-year-old's wishes, colleagues at C. Richards & Son transported his coffin on the back of his truck, which was adorned with a large flower-framed photo of him and followed by a convoy of vans, on Tuesday afternoon.

A hearse passes through the High Street (Image: Newsquest)

A crowd of mourners filled the North Wiltshire Crematorium to pay their respects and observe a moving funeral service. Guests were asked to dress casually in tracksuits and trainers and wear one grey sock and one pink sock on their feet.

The father of three from Broad Town died on May 8 after being diagnosed with inoperable Stage 3 pancreatic cancer last year.

The funeral procession for Tommy Strange in Royal Wootton Bassett (Image: Newsquest)

Before his hearse and truck passed through Bassett's central avenue, one of his neighbours told the Adver: "He was the best friend anyone could ask for, he was genuine and loyal.

"Everyone needs a Tom in their lives. People like him are hard to find, so you feel lucky to have met them.

"I feel blessed to have many memories to cherish as a true friend, as do many others. He was an inspiration, a legend, a great bloke, and a fighter to the end.

"The world has lost a wonderful person but his spirit will live on forever."

Colleagues from C Richards & Son decorated their vehicles in Tom's memory (Image: Newsquest)

Chris and Tommy's families each made their own floral tributes for the funeral, which included touching messages from those closest to him.

His mother said: "My heart is broken because we are not ready to let him go, but we are grateful for the opportunity to have made some special memories and to say the things we wanted to.

"You are free from pain now and you will always be with us for the rest of our lives."

Tom worked for C. Richards & Son for a decade, and his colleagues thought of him as being like part of their own family.

Boss Chris previously told the Adver: "Tommy was the life and soul of everything, he kept people going when they were tired and would rally around to help if he could.

"He meant a lot to me, to his family, and to everyone in this family business. We all loved him and will miss him so much."

In lieu of further flowers, donations to the Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming charity are encouraged.

To donate, visit www.bulldogrescue.org.uk

Tommy Strange with his bulldog Dolly (Image: From public)