Hundreds have turned out to pay their respects to boxer Gary Mason - including champ Lennox Lewis.

The former world heavyweight champ was among around 1,000 mourners to attend Mr Mason's funeral.

He fought an unbeaten Mason in 1991, when an old eye injury of Mason's surfaced, forcing the contest to be stopped in the seventh round.

Mason, well-known in Medway in the 1980s and 90s, was given a huge send-off at All Saints Church in Carshalton, near Croydon.

KM Group reporter Keyan Milanian said he'd never witnessed a funeral like it, dubbing it "an incredible spectable".

Mourners paid tribute to Mr Mason's upbeat character and larger-than-life personality.

A private burial, for family members only, was due to take place at Croydon Cemetery.

The 48-year-old died after his bicycle collided with a van near his flat in Wallington, Surrey, earlier this month.

Mason will be remembered for his lovable character and infectious laugh.

Four years after moving to Medway, aged 23, he was crowned British heavyweight champion in 1989. Soon after turning pro he lived in Clandon Road, Lordswood, before moving to Walderslade.

Audio: Reporter Keyan Milanian, speaking from the funeral today

He also owned a Gillingham High Street shop called Punch and Jewellery.
A man arrested for causing Mason's death by careless driving remains on police bail until March while police continue investigating the crash.