Bexhill comes to a standstill to remember much-loved taxi driver: in pictures

Stuart died suddenly on June 17, at the age of 48, at Ashdown Forest. On Friday (July 10), a procession of taxi drivers, along with family and friends, joined the procession to mark his funeral. His love of cars, motorbikes and fishing were evident with all the personalised wreaths and flower tributes. The cortege from Galley Hill, through Bexhill, Cooden, Little Common, and onto Eastbourne Crematorium, included family members and at least 25 local taxi drivers all paying their respects. Gold ribbons, representing his 'heart of gold', were attached to each car as a mark of respect. One of his colleagues said: “It’s very rare that you meet a person like Stuart. When he spoke to you he made you feel that you were the only person in the room – he made you feel important. He listened and cared and went out of his way to help anyone. The town has lost a true friend and gentleman.” Stuart's family thanked his friends and colleagues for all their support during this difficult time, and also Sussex Police (Eastbourne Police) and the search and rescue for their help in finding Stuart. A Justgiving page has been set up by one of Stuart’s customers to arrange for a memorial bench or tree to be located in Bexhill for friends and family to visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/susancrowhurst83