For 30 years grandfather Brian Hopgood turned into "the perfect Santa" every Christmas to bring joy to the children in his street.

With his white beard, long hair and specially-made Santa suit he was a popular sight as he rode along Windmill Rise, Minster, on the Isle of Sheppey on a cart pulled by two award-winning shire horses.

When he died, aged 86, his family and friends were determined to give him a special send-off.

Which is why neighbours turned out yesterday (Tuesday) to pay tribute as those same shire horses pulled his coffin on its way to the Garden of England crematorium in Bobbing near Sittingbourne.

His widow Christine said: "It was as he would have wanted. He loved being Santa. He was a very quiet man who was always well-behaved and never used swear words. He was a lovely man and a proper Father Christmas. He was the perfect Santa."

She even made sure he was wearing his Santa suit on his final journey.

Family friend Ann Stevens said: "Every Christmas, Brian delivered goodwill and presents to his neighbourhood dressed as Santa and towed by shire horses. He did it for 30 years, all for free, with the help of his wife, friends and John Goodwin of Bell Farm Lane who provided the carriage and horses."

Mr Hopgood was born in Woolwich which was also where he met his wife to be.

She recalled: "I went for an interview at the place where he worked and made up my mind then and there that he was the man I wanted to marry."

The couple moved to Sheppey when engineering firm Oliver Pells moved its factory to the former Rio cinema in Sheerness Broadway.

Mrs Hopgood said: "Brian had many jobs, including being a social worker, but he settled in the prison service as head of stores at Swaleside."

Mr Hopgood was married for 52 years and leaves two children, Julie and Lee, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The couple also took in foster children. Mrs Hopgood recalled: "We must have looked after about 15. Brian loved them all."

As word of Mr Hopgood's festive visits spread, he added homes in Cliff Gardens to his list. Mrs Hopgood said: "It became huge."

The shire horses were provided by John and Jayne Goodwin of nearby Greenacres Farm in Bell Farm Lane. The couple are national shire horse carriage champions.

The role of Santa was taken last year by John's brother Stephen. John said: "We are hoping Stephen will take on the role. But whoever does it, we are happy to provide the horses."

The funeral was organised by Havill Funeral Services.