THE funeral of a popular youth worker who died suddenly earlier this month took place last week.

Countless mourners turned out and lined the streets of Prudhoe to pay their respects to Ian Lowery, who died on November 14 at the age of 45.

The town came to a stop when the funeral cortege departed Edgewell Grange at 12pm on Friday and proceeded along Front Street, passing dozens of assembled people, who maintained social distancing.

Ian was laid to rest following a service at West Rod Crematorium.

At Wednesday's meeting of Prudhoe Town Council, a minute's silence was observed by members to pay respect to Ian.

The mayor of Prudhoe, Coun. Tracy Gilmore then paid tribute to Ian.

She said: "Ian will be a great miss. He did a lot for Prudhoe.

"It is such a tragedy to lose another young life."

The meeting was held on the first anniversary of the death of former town councillor Martin Foster.

Loved by many for his work with the young people of Prudhoe, Ian was also a skilled footballer and turned out for Blackpool’s youth team.

However, his promising career was cut short by injury, and he returned to Prudhoe where he began coaching youngsters.

He soon became heavily involved with youth work in the town, and was highly respected by countless young people.

After his death, Prudhoe Youth Club FC posted on Facebook praising his coaching efforts.

It read: "Ian devoted countless hours to the youth of Prudhoe, as a football coach at the club for many years and with his work at the East Centre and the Prudhoe Youth Charity Shop. Ian will be a huge miss.

Ian was involved in almost every community event held in the town from a young age, and news of his death sent shockwaves through the town.