HUNDREDS of mourners gathered yesterday to pay tribute to victims of the Selby train crash.

About 300 people attended a service for GNER train driver John Weddle, of Throckley, Newcastle, at the city's West Road Crematorium.

A further 150 mourners stood outside, because of a lack of space.

Many of them were colleagues from GNER, along with friends and family of the 47-year-old father of two.

As the hearse pulled up, decked with floral tributes including one which said simply ''uncle'' and another saying ''dad'', the pop song Love Is All Around by Wet Wet Wet could be heard outside.

Bouquets were sent from GNER, Railtrack, Northern Spirit and train workers' union ASLEF.

One tribute said: ''You will forever be in our thoughts, with deepest sympathy from everyone at GNER''.

The Reverend John Sinclair, took the 30-minute service.

Mr Weddle's family said: "John was a loving father and will be sadly missed by all his family.

"The family would also like to extend their sympathy to other families involved in the incident. John's family are naturally devastated by their tragic and sudden loss."

A private funeral of passenger Barry Needham, 40, of New Earswick, near York, was also held yesterday afternoon.

Mr Needham's wife, Margitta said: "My beloved husband, Barry, left early in the morning never to return, a victim of the Selby rail disaster.

"Barry has left a great vacuum. He was a loving husband, full of optimism and warmth. Barry gave strength and support to family and friends alike."

She said the funeral came the day before his birthday

"Kindness has been shown to my family by so many people. We wish to say thank you to our friends and colleagues," she said.