Shoppers and shopworkers stood, respectfully, as Henry's funeral procession travelled from Laura-May's cafe in Surrey Street, Littlehampton, his employer for more than six years before he was struck down by cancer.

The cortege was given special permission to pass through the High Street pedestrian precinct, following the route taken by Henry many times on his walks through the town centre.

Resting on his coffin was a floral tribute in the shape of a sandwich board with his name spelt out in flowers.

One shop closed for a few minutes as a mark of respect, and other traders stood in their doorways to pay their tributes to Henry, who died last month, aged 76.

"I knew he had lots of friends, but didn't realise the town would come to a halt," said Laura-Mays Cafe proprietor Barry Winter. "It was the send-off that he deserved."

Mr Winter, staff from the cafe, Henry's sister and niece, friends, and staff from Summerlea Nursing Home, Littlehampton, where he spent his
last few months, walked behind the hearse through the town centre, before being driven to the funeral at Worthing Crematorium,

Henry became the first sandwich board man in Littlehampton for about 50 years when he was appointed in 2002. Born in London, he also lived in Fittleworth and moved to Littlehampton 18 years ago, to work for refuse contractors Onyx, retiring in 1998. A single man, he leaves a brother and sister.

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