THE message left on one of the many wreaths said it all - "Simply a star".

This is how the community of Horwich will remember a devoted husband and father who had his life cut short, tragically, in a road accident.

Hundreds of people crowded into St Catherine's Church yesterday to pay their last respects to Andrew Stuchbury who died after his bicycle was in collision with a car at the junction of Chorley New Road and Hartley Street on October 25.

The motorist has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Following the service the funeral cortege made its way to the Reebok Stadium where the flags were flying at half-mast in a final nod to Andrew's passion for the Wanderers.

The procession then headed for the Overdale East Chapel for Andrew's committal.

Andrew, 33, an ardent lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan was well known as a keen cyclist and a "bit of a comedian" who recently stole the show at Horwich Carnival's talent show with his impression of Roy "Chubby" Brown.

And the depth of feeling for the larger-than-life character was shown with the Richmond Street church being packed to capacity for his funeral service.

The wreath from Andrew's parents Bill and Pam Stuchbury took pride of place with flowers designed to spell out the word "son".

The message from his parents read: "Our beloved eldest son our hearts are broken, what more can we say. We will miss you every day."

While for Andrew's widow Wendy, who faced the harrowing task of breaking the news of his death to their four-year-old-son Connor, the message was a simple and poignant "I will miss you forever".

The Rev Martin Short, vicar of St Catherine's, told the congregation that the day was as much about celebrating Andrew's life as it was about the sadness of his death.

"It would not do justice to Andrew just to show the shock and sadness that is in our hearts," he said.

He told of a man born and bred in Horwich. Andrew, a former pupil of St Catherine's and Blackrod and Rivington schools had worked as a part-time firefighter in Horwich before joining Chamberlain Doors Ltd of Blackrod 13 years ago.

"He was the first ever Employee of the Year and took pride in everything he did," said Rev Short. "He had a great sense of humour characterised through his impression of Chubby Brown - he was an entertainer at heart."

Rev Short added: "He will be sorely missed as a loving son, husband and friend."

And despite the almost tangible sadness of the day, Rev Short summed up how those gathered should best remember Andrew.

He asked the congregation to silently remember a happy moment they had shared with him before saying "take this away with you as a parting gift from Andrew".