Funeral of Hays Travel founder, John Hays was held today

The funeral of the founder and managing director of Hays Travel took place on Wednesday morning.

Mr Hays, who was married to wife and Hays Travel co-owner, Irene Hays, suddenly died after collapsing at the firm's Sunderland head office on Friday, November 13.

• Tributes pour in for North-East legend John Hays
• Hays Travel founder dies after collapsing in office

At the time, thousands of tributes poured in for a "champion and legend" of the North-East from people far and wide.

The cortege travelled over the Wearmouth Bridge and then along St Mary's Boulevard in the city centre. 

Crowds clapped as the cortege made its way past the company headquarters, festooned with balloons. 

Paying tribute, Steve Wright, health and safety officer at Hays Travel, said: "I have been at the firm for 21 years. 

"Today has gone really well. We didn't know how many people would turn out. We appreciate they have come. They have travelled far and wide to be here. We've got people from Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool.

"Although it wasn't a planned event, everything went smoothly. It's emotional. He was such a fantastic man. 

"He has done a lot for us. A lot for everybody. Everyone is so appreciative of the Hays family.

"We hope that we can sustain it. And we are quite confident that we will."

Sunderland Council leader Grahame Miller said: "It's been very touching and very humbling to see people line St Mary's Boulevard this morning to watch and applaud the funeral procession for John Hays go passed on its way to the crematorium in Sunderland.

"It really shows the depth of feeling and how John Hays is felt for by the people of Sunderland, specially his staff and those who know him. 

"I am delighted to see that come out today as a mark of respect for Irene and the family and I hope they will take some comfort from it - that Sunderland and everybody who knew John will miss him. 

"He was well liked and he was a lovely man."