HUNDREDS of mourners joined a procession along Worcestershire's country roads to pay their respects to a much-loved traveller.

Pearl Hodgkins' funeral was held near a trailer site at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, yesterday.

She had lived around the area for around 27 years and had established many close relationships.

She died, aged in her 40s, last week after a stroke.

The body was carried in a conventional hearse, but mourners followed in a variety of vehicles through the county's rural roads.

Around 600 mourners had been expected by the traveller's friends and family - which extended to the Hereford and Ledbury areas.

She was well known around the two counties and friends predicted hundreds of people would turn out to pay their respects.

Flatbed lorries featured in the procession decked with wreaths and garlands.

Worcester police said it was aware of the situation, but no roads were closed to traffic.