A FILLED St Clement's Church has bid farewell to Donald Smith, a 'kind and caring' Worcester man who died suddenly at the age of 84.

Mr Smith, whose parents were Romany gypsies, was brought to church, in Henwick Road, in a horse-drawn glass carriage pulled by two white horses on Wednesday. He entered St Clement's to the sound of Elvis Presley singing: An American Trilogy.

The church was packed with around 200 mourners who heard Reverend Phil Bradford describe Mr Smith as a kind and genuine man who was a true gentleman who loved caring for his family and friends.

Latterly of Stallard Road, Mr Smith had been brought up one of 14 children and grew, first into a popular, if somewhat mischievous child, and then into a loving and caring man who loved his children and grandchildren.

He had numerous jobs working around the area proving himself to be a hard worker, whether it was working on the bins, as a builder's labourer or on local farms. He loved wildlife and was an accomplished whistler; often imitating birdsong.

He also loved sport and in particular, skittles and was something of a 'Del Boy' who liked wheeling and dealing.

He had a natural aversion to doctors and carried a bottle of smelling salts around with him as his own 'cure-all'.

He married June after catching her eye over a garden fence and they went on to have six children of his own.

Sadly the family lost daughter Christine, many years ago when she was 27, and soon after June herself died suddenly aged 59. Another son, Martin, died just before last Christmas.

Reading Mr Smith's eulogy, Mr Bradford said: "Don's family and friends will have fond memories of a man who was a remarkable character throughout his life, who loved life and enjoyed looking after others and the community. This kindness was returned by friends and family who were able to help him later on. His front door was always open."

After the hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Mr Bradford read John 14: 1-6, before playing: You're My Best Friend, by Don Williams.

Mr Smith's love of life and zest for fun and friendship was reflected in the retiring song chosen by his family: Knees Up Mother Brown, by Chas and Dave.

Mr Smith leaves sons David, Anthony and Paul, and daughter Rosie. He also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.