A 100-strong funeral convoy brought Romford to a standstill on Tuesday afternoon as travellers gathered to say goodbye to an Essex gipsy.

William Sunders, known as Bluey, was taken by Rolls Royce hearse from Billercay and along the A127 dual carriageway to Romford Cemetery, in Crow Lane.

The funeral cortege was made up of nine horse and traps and ten black Mercedes, but was tailed by a flotilla of cars, pick-up trucks and vans - as travellers from around the country descended on the area to pay respects.

One witness at Gallows Corner said the procession caused tailbacks “for as far as the eye could see”.

He added: “They don’t do things by half.

“This guy was obviously well respected and they certainly gave him decent send-off.”

Essex Police confirmed outriders and flanking cars escorted the flotilla through Essex where they handed over to Met officers at the Havering border.

Officers were also stationed along the route.

Mourners parked cars where they could outside the cemetery - along the footpath and even on a roundabout.

William, believed to be around 70-years-old, died from cancer last month.

A spokesman for Essex police said: “Police facilitated the safe movement of a large funeral procession along the A127.

“The police involvement was to ensure the safety of all involved and to prevent any traffic problems.”