A COMMUNITY has paid its final respects to a much-loved lollipop man, who passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer.

Ted Feathers, who died on Friday July 16, greeted hundreds of children every day for 16 years on the zebra crossing between Churchfields Infants and Juniors School in South Woodford.

Mr Feathers' funeral took place this afternoon and as the procession drove past the schools, hundreds of pupils and parents lined the route to say goodbye.

Since Mr Feathers passed away, parents have paid moving tributes to the great-grandfather, recalling a man who was always cheerful and never failed to remember the names of each and every child who he helped cross the road.

Paul Pert, of Avondale Court in South Woodford, said: “I can honestly say that I have never witnessed such an event on a local level; so many children, parents and teachers turning out like that during their summer holiday. What an emotive experience it was.

“Knowing how many pupils must already be away on holiday with their families it was really quite a turnout - which in a way kind of tells you everything you need to know about this remarkable man.

“Ted's capacity for remembering names was extraordinary. There would be kids who had left school years ago and he would still be able to remember their names. How he ever managed to do this - especially for someone of his age - we shall never know.”