Hundreds say farewell to Durham miners' leader Davey Hopper

Just three weeks ago, Mr Hopper welcomed Mr Corbyn to the Durham Miners' Gala - one of the biggest in years.

He strongly backed the Labour leader to retain control of his party when the two men shared a platform at the Big Meeting.

Just a week later the former pitman died at his home in east Boldon, at the age of 73.

A humanist ceremony was held at the Miners' Hall in Durham city centre, led by Rodney Bickerstaffe, the former general secretary of Unison.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of Mr Hopper, who was secretary of the Durham Miners' Association for more than 30 years.

Although coal mining in the county has ended, the association continued to campaign for ex-miners and organises the annual gala - one of Europe's biggest trade union events.

Banners which are paraded through Durham at the gala were carried to the service and a brass band played the miners' hymn Gresford as the hearse arrived.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said Mr Hopper was wise, humble and a "gentle man" beneath his macho exterior.

He said: "I will miss the chats that we used to have on regular occasions. He was a lovely man and we will miss him."

The service was relayed to people in a large marquee outside the packed Miners' Hall.

It opened with Bob Marley's Three Little Birds and mourners gave a loud round of applause before speeches started, and again as the cortege left after the service.