A UNIQUE 'guard of honour' was mounted on Thursday last week at the funeral of the man who kept Slough's refuse collection service operating smoothly come rain or shine.

The drive leading from the entrance of Slough Crematorium to its chapel was lined with refuse collection vehicles, as David Gleghorn's 'team' formed the eye catching 'archway' for his coffin to pass through.

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About 250 people packed the chapel to pay their respects to the 'larger than life' man who was Slough's refuse team leader - loved for the way he looked after his team.

There were tears and laughter as poignant tributes were paid to Mr Gleghorn, who had died of cancer aged 65 at his home in Spackmans Way, Chalvey.

The laughter came when Bob Middleton remembered Mr Gleghorn's role as union convenor, leading a successful strike to get a better deal for his men.

Mr Middleton was regional organiser for the then Transport and General Workers Union. He remembered being unceremoniously told by 'Gleggy' to get off his chair on his first visit to his office.

He said: "He was larger than life, a big man, a good man."

Mr Gleghorn's grandson Taylor fought back tears as he remembered caravan holidays in 'Gleggy's' beloved caravan, even if his grandad's attempts to build an awning for it went hilariously wrong.

Slough Observer:

His widow Maggie had written her own tribute read by her granddaughter.

She remembered meeting her husband in Slough's Kingfisher pub for the first time - his opening words being 'hello blondy, I'm going to marry you'.

He did marry her and the couple were blissfully happy for more than 30 years, raising seven children.

Dave and Maggie's song You're My Best Friend by Don Williams opened the funeral. While the deeply appropriate song Working Man closed it.

Mr Gleghorn grew up in Sunderland and followed his father down the mines for a time, before serving with the Royal Pioneer Corps in Ireland.

He leaves 22 grandchildren and great grandchildren.