IT was standing room only at the funeral of a much-loved fixture of Worcester’s riverside scene for decades.

John Morris, who ran Pitchcroft Boating Station in Barbourne - a family firm that ran for more than 60 years until 2014 - died on January 1, aged 90.

Mr Morris moved to Worcester in the 1940s, and after national service he had four children with Jean - Stuart, who has since died, Lorna, Jacqueline and Jillian and two granddaughters Scarlett and Lois.

He was a skilled engineer at the Metal Box, before taking on the family business which at one point had 80 boats on the river, as well as an 80-seater passenger cruiser. Mr Morris helped many people in distress on the Severn, including once receiving a police award for life-saving.

More than 100 mourners paid their respects to Mr Morris at Worcester Crematorium this afternoon. The service began with Nimrod from The Enigma Variations by Sir Edward Elgar, played as Mr Morris’ coffin was carried in.

Reverend Robert Latham, who conducted the service, gave a welcoming and opening prayers before the singing of the first hymn, The Day Thou Gravest.

Mr Morris’ granddaughter Scarlett gave an emotional tribute which included stories of practical joking, how he met wife Jean, who he was married to for 62 years, and how he learned to secretly swim at the age of 60.

“It was after he took the reins of the family business when Lois and I were born,” she said.

“It was fair to say it was here, at their beloved Riverside home, where they (Mr Morris and his wife) were happiest.”

She added many will miss his friendship, but the family would follow in his footsteps and treasure fond memories of him.

The congregation joined together to say the Lord’s Prayer, and sing the hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country. After the commendation and committal, We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn was played to end the service.

The family have asked for donations in memory of Mr Morris to be made to either the RNLI or the Severn Railway Charitable Trust.