HUNDREDS of mourners attended the funeral in Darlington of a leading North-East Muslim cleric yesterday.

The turnout was so great for the service for Syed Ismail Ali, of the town's Jamia Mosque, it had to be held in a nearby park.

Mr Ali died on Monday, aged 49, after a long battle against a brain haemorrhage.

About 700 people from across the UK are thought to have been at his funeral.

But because the mosque can only accommodate about 500 worshippers, the mourners braved freezing temperatures and snow for a short blessing in the neighbouring North Lodge Park.

And such was the volume of traffic, the roads around the mosque were blocked for several minutes before and after the blessing. Parking restrictions were also in operation on several roads nearby.

Mr Ali had lived in Darlington for more 20 years, and had been a priest in the Jamia Mosque since 1982.

He also taught and preached around the country, and regularly visited London and Sunderland.

Mr Ali's nephew, Badsha Miah, said everyone had been devastated at his death.

"He is irreplaceable, such a wonderful man, but in terms of his vast knowledge too," he said.

"He was very well-known and respected, and there are people here today from not only the North-East, but from Birmingham, London and Southampton.

"He had been in hospital and suffering for some time, but in the end we let him go peacefully at home."

Mr Ali's grandson, Del, said: "He has been working in the local community for a long time, but his work was also well-known around the country.

"It has been quite hectic getting everyone together for the funeral, which had to be held so soon because in our religion, he must be buried straight away.

"It is a sad time for everyone, but we will remember him as a great man."

Mr Ali was laid to rest after the service in the Muslim burial plot of the town's North Cemetery.