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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Bradley Jolly & Nicholas Keyden

X Factor fanatic laid to rest under huge floral tribute of Scots singer Susan Boyle

An X Factor fanatic has been laid to rest under an enormous floral tribute with Scots singer Susan Boyle's face on it.

Albert Harper died suddenly in May and was even driven to his funeral in Simon Cowell's old Rolls-Royce, according to The Mirror.

The 47-year-old was a huge fan of the hit ITV talent show and his send off brought roads to a standstill near his home with crowds of mourners lining the streets to pay their respects.

Among the incredible floral displays at his grave were a KFC bucket design, a bottle of Joop aftershave and the face of one of Scotland's most popular singers, Susan Boyle.

Funeral director Ian Hart, whose daughter Amy appeared on Love Island, revealed he converted the plush Rolls Royce into a hearse especially for the occasion.

He said: "When it was announced in the service that the Rolls had belonged to Simon Cowell, everybody said how fitting it was."

Mr Harper, described as a well respected man in the Traveller community, died suddenly in May.

There were a number of other colourful tributes at his funeral, including ones of a pool table, pint of Guinness and bottle of malt vinegar.

James MacMillan, who led the service, said: "It was desperately moving.

"A respectful celebration of life and the best worst day that we could do for him."

Photographs taken ahead of the funeral show mourners piled into cars following the hearse in Sussex. Several men are pictured beside a floral snooker table, travelling on a van with a trailer.

The hearse itself was transformed by specialist coach builders in Italy.

The extravagant champagne cooler in the back seat was ripped out in the process.

Albert Harper was only 47 when he passed away in May (UGC)

Reports also suggest the original interiors, including TV screens, mood lighting and fully reclining electric rear seats, had to be ditched.

They were replaced with stainless steel, leather and a crystal glass coffin compartment.

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