Dozens of people turned out on Tuesday (16 June) to pay their respects to a 'true gentleman' and familiar face in Macclesfield.

Martin Oddie worked at the bookies in Broken Cross for 48 years, initially when it was Bill Moores then Coral for the last 45.

With only 10 mourners currently allowed to attend Martin's funeral service due to coronavirus restrictions, his family organised a special send-off.

The 'Tangerine Dream' celebration of Martin's life invited those who knew and loved him to stand outside Coral bookmakers as the cortege passed or to line the route to St James' Church in Gawsworth wearing something orange in homage to Martin's favourite team Blackpool Football Club.

Janice Cawley, Martin's sister, said: "It was lovely to see people clapping and a sea of tangerine to celebrate Martin's life and vibrant soul.

"He was a wonderful devoted father to Chantelle, gentle and supportive of his partner Dorothy, a beautiful caring son to Pat Oddie and a thoughtful and considerate brother.

"Martin was, and will continue to be, loved and known by so many.

"He was local to Broken Cross and worked at the bookies for 48 years from being a student studying Business Studies at Stockport College.

advertisement

"He knew all his regular customers on first name terms.

"Anyone who has ever met Martin would describe him as easy going and never having a bad word to say about anyone.

"A true gentleman and it has been a great privilege to have had him in our lives.

"If only it had been for longer."