A BLACK floral wreath in the shape of a microphone seemed a fitting way to send off one of Consett’s best loved entertainers.

Hundreds of people today (Tuesday, December 2) packed in St Patrick’s Church to say a final farewell to Hughie Malone, who died aged 80 last month.

The great grandfather was well known as an amateur actor, charity fundraiser and pantomime dame during a lengthy performing career that started alongside his father when he was aged 14.

The moving service was also filled with laughter from a list of things he loved, which was compiled by his four sons and read by family member Peter Fox.

Father Andrew Downie said: “He was always entertaining others and enjoying himself. He spent many hours entertaining old and young people. He was a man who was very much alive.”

Mr Malone, who served in the RAF and marched at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, was employed as a lorry driver, mobile librarian and school care taker during his working life.

But the devoted family man was best known for the community contribution he made on stage, performing in care homes and pubs and clubs around his hometown, something which earned him an MBE in 2006.

Mr Malone, suffered from heart problems and died suddenly in hospital on November 19. He has been buried at Blackhill cemetery.

Fr Downie said: “Right until the end of his life he was making people laugh.

“He was generous with his time and his talents, ready to share the gifts he had with the wider community.”