Alan Simpson, Steptoe and Son scriptwriter and the president of Hampton & Richmond Borough Football Club, was given a “fitting send-off” after recently passing away.

Mr Simpson, who made his name as a TV comedy writer in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, died after an illness at the age of 87 on Sunday, February 8.

His funeral procession by horse-drawn carriage, on Monday, February 27, travelled from his Percy Road cottage onto Station Road, finishing at The Beveree at Hampton & Richmond Borough Football Club in Beaver Close.

A “farewell ceremony” – attended by comedian Paul Merton, actor Neil Pearson and Mr Simpson’s writing partner, Ray Galton – then took place on the pitch at 12.45pm.

The carriage entered the pitch to the theme of Steptoe and Son played on loud speakers, and excerpts of his work were played throughout.

Hampton ward councillor Gareth Roberts said: “Alan's send off was a completely fitting tribute to the man who, either through his writing or through his support for Hampton & Richmond Borough Football Club, enriched the lives of so many residents.

“From the entrance of the hearse to the Steptoe and Son theme, through memories from friends and relatives, and all held on his beloved home ground it was quite literally pitch perfect.

“He will be sorely missed."

Mr Simpson first took on the position of honourary president of Hampton & Richmond Borough Football Club in 1967.

A private funeral, attended by the Simpson and Galton families only, was held later.

The club asked anyone wishing to make a donation to charity in memory of Mr Simpson to write a cheque payable to either the British Lung Foundation, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation or Age UK.

Cheques can be posted to Boast & Son, 36 Eastworth Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8DW.