WITH his coffin proudly draped in the blue and white Tynedale Rugby Club colours, Stu Ridley was laid to rest at St Michael's Church in Wark this afternoon.
The church was packed to the door for the funeral of the 25-year-old farmer and rugby player, who lost a five-month battle against a brain tumour a week ago.
Hundreds more stood outside the church to hear the moving funeral service, conducted by Rector of Bellingham the Rev. Susan Ramsaran, broadcast over a loudspeaker system.
The ancient church was a sea of blue as, at Stu's family's request, mourners wore "Stay Strong Stu" t-shirts, rugby tops and young farmers' polo shirts.
Past and present players for Tynedale, club officials and representatives of the Rugby Football Union were among the mourners, as well as numerous well-known figures from the world of farming.
After the service in church, Stu was buried in the churchyard as the entire congregation stood in total silence.
For a full report of the service, see Friday's Hexham Courant.
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