THE funeral of a much loved train guard who worked on services up and down the East Coast Mainline will take place this week.

More than 100 are expected to pay their respects to LNER train manager, Graeme Wright after his unexpected death last month.

His son, Dan has announced the details of his funeral with a service being held in Newcastle city centre on Wednesday afternoon (December 1).

Read more: Tributes as LNER train guard who worked between Newcastle and Darlington dies

In a statement, he said: "Graeme was our dearly loved son, father, brother, partner and he will be greatly missed by his loving family close friends and railway family."

Setting out the arrangements, he said those wishing to pay tribute would be meeting at Newcastle West Road in Newcastle as the funeral service begins at 1.30pm.

He then said a celebration of life would then take place afterwards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, opposite Newcastle Railway Station, in the Stephenson Quarter.

Asking that only family flowers are brought, Dan added that anyone wishing to donate flowers can instead donate towards a fundraiser which had been set up by his dad.

A Tommy 10k Fundraiser for Royal British Legion Industries, originally set up by Graeme had so far seen almost £700 raised as of publication.

'Exceptional'

LNER previously led tributes to an exceptional worker as hundreds took to social media from across the North East and UK and paid their respects.

LNER said: "It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved colleague Graeme Wright has passed away.

"(He) worked with us for over 25 years, delivering exceptional customer service - always with a laugh and a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones."

At the time David Horne, managing director of LNER, said: "We are devastated. Graeme devoted his life to the railway and he loved being a Train Manager.

"Customer service was his thing. A friend to everyone - and his legendary announcements put smiles on people’s faces every day. Our love and thoughts are with his family and friends."

On social media, many recalled their interactions with the "warm and knowledgeable" chap.

One said: "Totally shocked and devastated. I’ve only had the fortune to have known (Graeme) for a few months, but I will really miss chatting to him.

"Such a warm, funny, knowledgeable chap, taken far too soon. RIP Graeme."

Another said: "Such sad news. Graeme was a real gent and always provided that little bit of additional entertainment on the trains he managed."

'He will be truly missed by all of us'

Meanwhile Graeme, who was an avid Sunderland AFC supporter, was also described as a great friend by many as a group set up for SAFC football fans shared their memories.

SAFC Fans React issued a statement and said: "It is with regret and upmost sadness that we announce our friend Graeme Wright has passed away.

"He will be truly missed by all of us, he was a massive part in our channel and he became part of our family. We love you Graeme."

To view the fundraiser click here

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