HUNDREDS of people gathered to celebrate the life of one of the most well-known and respected figures in Stoke-on-Trent's Afro-Caribbean community.

Egbert Green, known as Jimmy, moved to England from Jamaica in 1959 to start a new life when he was 30 years old.

The great-grandfather died at his home in Rushton Road, Cobridge, on August 30 after losing his battle against cancer, aged 82.

Traffic was brought to a standstill on Waterloo Road as Mr Green's coffin was taken by a horse-drawn hearse to Burslem's Swan Bank Methodist Church, where he had married 46 years earlier.

So many people attended his funeral that some had to stand in the aisles while others listened from outside the church.

Reverend Ashley Cooper, who led the service, said: "We are gathered here to celebrate the life of Jimmy together, who touched so many hearts.

"You only have to look at the amount of people here from the community to understand how loved and respected he was."

Mr Green, who had eight children, 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, worked at Shelton Bar for many years. He is survived by his ex-wife Irene.

He was a regular at the Caribbean Multi-Cultural Association (CCMA), on Cobridge Road, where he enjoyed playing dominoes. Mr Green was also described as a man who people could confide in and was often asked for his opinions on various matters, because of his straight talking.

He was a well-known figure in The American pub, in Cobridge, and had a passion for cars.

Tributes and poems were read out in memory of Mr Green from family members and friends.

The hymns Blessed Assurance and How Great Thou Art were also sung at the service.

His niece Polina Best told mourners: "In 2000 he went back to Jamaica for the first time in 40 years and it was one of the best times of his life.

"He went back again in 2006 which was sadly his last time.

"He was loud and proud and was someone you would hear before you saw him.

"He was never afraid to put his views across in a debate and he had true style, which he never lost.

"Whenever you visited his house he would have a pot of rice, peas and chicken on the go and a packet of sweets in his pocket.

"He loved playing dominoes and used to keep an allotment, from which his family would reap the produce, even if it meant getting 20 onions in one go."

Mr Green developed cancer having previously been in good health.

His daughter Diane Green said: "I've always loved him and I hope he's gone to a better place."