MORE than 1,000 mourners packed a church and neighbouring parish centre to celebrate the life of a popular entertainer yesterday.

More stood on the street as players and management of Hartlepool United formed a guard of honour as Frankie Baggs' coffin was taken into St Paul's CE church, in Hartlepool.

Mr Baggs, who was 69, had been commercial director at the club but was better known as a part-time comedian, singer and entertainer.

His wife of 50 years, Sheila, and their three children, Mark, Jacqueline Elliott and Lorraine McMillan, led the mourning.

Other people attending included former Pool managers Chris Turner, Mick Tait, Billy Horner and Keith Houchen and crowd favourites Joe Allon, Paul Baker, Brian Honour and Graeme Lee. Mayor of Hartlepool Stuart Drummond also attended.

The Reverend Richard Masshedar conducted the service. He told the congregation: "That so many people have come is its own tribute to Frank."

Old friend of Mr Baggs, Billy Watson, said: "There's the clich that some people light up the room when they walk into it. Well, Frank not only lit up the room up but turned the volume up as well - with laughter."

Mr Watson read a poem celebrating Mr Baggs' life and went on to describe his friend, a former "corner boy" at Hartlepool Cricket Club, as a legend.

A minute's silence will be held in memory of Mr Baggs at Hartlepool United's home game against Brentford tomorrow.