Hundreds have gathered outside York Minster to pay their respects to late BBC presenter Harry Gration who tragically died of cancer last month.
The procession arrived at the cathedral at 11.30am today (August 1) with family and friends of the Look North presenter gathering inside to celebrate his memory. Others in attendance include Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Kim Leadbeater, fellow Look North presenters Amy Garcia and Keeley Donovan as well as presenter Christine Talbot and former Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd.
Former Archbishop of York Lord Sentamu told mourners that it was fitting the veteran 71-year-old journalist's funeral took place on Yorkshire Day as he gave the sermon for his "dear friend and fellow traveller".
Read more: Enormous 'void' under Arndale Centre is hidden clue to Manchester's abandoned Tube network
Gration became a Yorkshire icon after fronting the BBC's Look North programme between 1982 and 2020 in a 40-year-long career. Amy Garcia told the congregation: “Harry was the heartbeat of the programme and head of the Look North family for four decades.”
She said: “Often called Mr Yorkshire, he was passionate about the county and its people.” She added: "He was their voice. He was on their side. He was their friend too.”
Gration's wife Helen, also paid tribute to her husband along with two of his sons - Harrison and Harvey. She said: "We know that we shared him with many. To us, he was a husband, dad and daddy and we loved him totally.” Mrs Gration and the sons were earlier seen following the coffin which was carried into the centre of the Minster through the Great West Door, adorned with white flowers.
Read next:
-
Woman's horror as she wakes up choking moments before explosion tears her home apart
-
The week that saw a small Oldham community rocked by tragedy
-
Temperatures are soaring and Manchester is still failing to act fast enough
-
Manchester wins Women's Euros for England as United and City stars make the difference vs Germany
