Friends and family of a popular ‘Kingston legend’ paid their final respects at a funeral ceremony last week.

Churchgoer and father-of-one Anthony Vassell died at West Brompton Hospital aged 46 following heart problems earlier this month.

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More than 300 people attended the religious ceremony at Kingston Crematorium on Friday, June 20.

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Son Theo Ganderson said: "We had a really good turnout. It was more celebratory than any other funeral I have been to before. There were a lot of old friends and family reunited.

"His friend Ray Carlton read a really nice speech. He told stories about his life and said how much he was loved by his friends – how we seemed to be the central piece of every friendship. He had a good send off.

"I was very close to my dad, especially over the last few years. I will always remember how funny he was and how he always looked on the bright side of life.

"If I could say anything to him I would tell him how much I loved him and how proud of him I am.”