Hundreds of people lined the streets to pay their final respects to a popular scrap metal collector known as a 'true legend' in his village. Michael 'Flash' Meakin was well-known in Nantwich, Cheshire, pushing his handcart around as he collected up scrap metal for recycling.
More than 500 people turned out to witness the 80-year-old's funeral procession on Saturday, according to Nantwich funeral director Gavin Palin. Many hundreds lined the route and also walked behind his coffin.
His small handcart - which he trawled around the streets to put scrap metal on - was pushed in front of a hearse.
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Mr Meakin's brother, 76-year-old Dennis Meakin, told CheshireLive: "He was a true legend of Nantwich. Everybody liked him, and you could see that by the turnout. They really saw him off well. I’d just like to thank the people of Nantwich."
Funeral director Mr Palin added: "It was so nice to see so many people. It was overwhelming for us and overwhelming for the family to see how well thought of he really was. We had 500 orders of service, and there were only about four or five left in the end. And then there were the people lining the route as well.
"People followed from the house and as we walked on people joined."
Mr Meakin's Order of Service proclaimed him as 'a true legend of Nantwich'. Mr Palin continued: "He was a kind man. He touched everybody because he was so kind. He never had a bad word to say about anybody. Everybody I have spoken to in my life has always respected him."
Mr Palin said local residents would reserve items for Mr Meakin: "If you saw a washing machine outside and if anyone else man pulled up for it, people would say ‘Oh, no, that's Flash's, he’ll be around later.
"He'll definitely be missed."
A posthumous award from the Mayor of Nantwich, Cllr Peter Groves, was displayed on his coffin, reading: "In recognition of the commitment to Nantwich of Michael 'Flash' Meakin.
"A larger than life character, known by many, and highly regarded.
"Remembering his dedication to the town, clearing the streets and driveways of unwanted metals, and being a friend to many, always helping those in need."
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