MORE than 60 cabbies brought Darlington to a halt yesterday as they paid their last respects to the founder of one of the town's taxi companies.

A long line of taxis followed the funeral cortege of Bob Ibbotson, who set up ABC Taxis, as it made its way from Cockerton Methodist Church to Darlington Crematorium.

Police closed off three roundabouts in Cockerton and on Woodland Road while the procession was in progress.

The 81-year-old war veteran died last week in hospital after suffering an infection and then a broken hip.

He ran ABC for 30 years, selling it on to his drivers on his retirement in 1997.

Mr Ibbotson, a father-of-three, grandfather and great-grandfather, had also represented his colleagues as National Union of Railwayman branch secretary during his time as a railway signalman in Darlington.

Taxi driver George Jenkinson said: "I think Bob's family were very moved by the tribute. It was nice for everyone in the taxis to be able to show their respect for a great man. I think Bob would have loved to be there to see it all."

Mr Ibbotson's daughter, Shirley Gibson, said last week: "So many people in Darlington knew him and loved him."