A popular lollipop man's funeral cortege made one finally journey through the crossings where he helped thousands of children get to school safely.
James 'Jim' Crook spent more than 15 years protecting two generations of Blackley children.
He was incredibly well known and popular in the community, where he had lived all his life.
Following his death at the age of 88, his family were determined to make sure his final send off today really reflected who he was.
They arranged for his funeral cortege to pass though his old crossings on Lion Street and Old Market Street, so well wishers could pay their respects.
Jim's funeral service was held at Blackley Crematorium and according to his family was 'full of music and laughter'.
A family friend played George Formby on a banjolele, while his granddaughter Kimberley sang ‘Jealous of the Angels.
Readings were also given by his grandson and great grandson, and the order of service was in the shape of a lollipop.
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Granddaughter Danielle Henry said: "Today has been hard but really extraordinary and what granddad would have wanted.
"It was supposed to throw it down all day and granddad held the rain off until we were all inside.
"Everyone said it was the best celebration of life they’ve been to. It was full of laughter and music."
The father-of-two had six grandchildren was married to wife Monica for 65 years.
Over the years, he had a variety of jobs, working everywhere from Bootle Street police station to the print room of the Manchester Evening News, as well a spell in the RAF as a young man.
But it was when he put off retirement in the late 1990s to become a lollipop man that he earned an army of young fans, who looked forward to seeing him every day and came to regard him as another granddad.
He was also heavily involved in school life and helped to campaign for safety rails to be installed for the children.
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