A WELL-known horse breeder and dealer was buried after his final wish of having his coffin drawn through the streets of Hyndburn on a horse and cart was granted.

Robert Cannon, 85, known as 'The Horse Man' and 'The Dealing Man,' who lived in Willow Brook, Accrington, was buried at Accrington Crematorium on Wednesday.

His nephew, Joseph Cannon, had earlier ridden the horse-drawn cart from Willows Lane to St Augustine's Church, in Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, where the funeral service was held.

Robert's daughter Jennifer, 51, said: "He was very well-known with the travelling community and with the farming and horse community.

"He had horses all his life. He did his own blacksmithing and he was like a vet to the horses.

"Everything he knew he learnt off his own father, Thomas, and passed it on to all the other members of his family. He was a mentor to everyone.

"He went to several horse people's funerals where they had carriages, but he didn't want anything fancy. It was his wish to go on a horse and cart.

"One of his great loves was the Appleby Horse Fair, in Cumbria. He went every June and only missed it twice in his life."

Mr Cannon also liked music and his favourite performer was Cliff Richard. Vera Lynn's 'We'll Meet Again' was played at the end of the church service.

He was a supporter of the monarchy and was a big fan of Diana, Princess of Wales.

A Manchester United supporter, he lived in his flat at Willow Brook until he suffered a stroke. He used to refer to it as his own little mansion and his neighbours knew him as 'Mr Mansion.'

Mr Cannon also leaves his wife Ethel, 86 and son Bill, 47.

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