There was a big turnout for the funeral today (August 3) of a ‘Darlington legend.’

St John the Evangelist Church on Neasham Road in Darlington was filled with family and friends of Peter Woodmansey, known locally as Pete the Sweep, who died last month.

The former road sweeper for Darlington Borough Council of 35 years, retired in 2001. He continued sweeping the roads of Darlington until he reached his mid-80s however.

A union flag theme was evident throughout the service with red, white and blue floral tributes.

The Northern Echo: Plenty of floral tributes were left for Peter. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPlenty of floral tributes were left for Peter. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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Peter died peacefully at his home on Dinsdale Crescent on July 19, aged 86, with his good friend, Julie Whitehouse, by his side.

Julie Whitehouse previously told The Northern Echo: “He was simply one of a kind,”

“He was a proper gentleman, and someone who always wanted to be a celebrity.

“He loved to make a difference to people. I would walk through the town centre and he would engage with everybody. The work he did in the community, keeping every clean and tidy was amazing.”

The Northern Echo: Mourners were asked to wear red, white or blue in Peter's memory, as he loved the union flag. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTMourners were asked to wear red, white or blue in Peter's memory, as he loved the union flag. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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Close To You by The Carpenters, Peter’s favourite song, played as mourners entered the church to say a final farewell to him.

Having spent some time living in an orphanage in Blackpool in his childhood, Peter was very proud of a time when he accidently caused a fire in one of the dormitories after playing with some matches.

The Northern Echo: Reverend Caroline Ferguson. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTReverend Caroline Ferguson. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The 'Best of Darlington' award-winner was born on February 15 1936 to parents Ivy and Harry, and was the eldest of nine children. He grew up in Beverley, East Yorkshire and moved to Darlington aged 18 and lived on Fenby Avenue.

He then gained employment as a kitchen porter at the Imperial Hotel in 1956.

The Northern Echo: Sweeping brushes were held up as mourners entered the church. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTSweeping brushes were held up as mourners entered the church. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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Julie Whitehouse read a very emotional and heartfelt piece. She spoke of how Peter was a humble man who loved his home comforts. As long as he had plenty of tea to drink, he was happy. He was a font of quirky knowledge and would often come out with strange facts, such as, Blackpool tower being 518 feet high. It was clear to everyone how Julie cherished her friendship with Peter.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

They first met forty years ago when Julie was working at Murrays the Bakers and Peter would always insist that Julie served him his regular order of apple pie and ice cream, washed down with a cup of tea.

Peter’s love of Blackpool, Bridlington and Beverley never lessened, and he would often visit His last visit to the North West being just before the first lockdown of 2020.

A poem, Life’s Portrait, was written and read by Rachel Dixon, inspired by a portrait a local artist had painted of Peter.

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