THE funeral of North Tyne farmer, rugby player and folk hero Stuart Ridley will take place at Wark  on Tuesday, and mourners  are being asked to wear "blue for Stu".

Stuart died this week after a five-month battle against a brain tumour,  and his mum Celia wants as many people as possible to wear their rugby tops, young farmers' shirts or "Stay Strong Stu" t-shirts for the funeral at 2pm at St Michael's Church in Wark.

"We want to turn the church blue for Stu - he would have loved it," said Celia.

The funeral is expected to be one of the biggest the district has ever seen and loudspeakers will relay the service to those outside the church.

Pick up your Courant this week for more details and tributes to Stu.