HUNDREDS of gipsies from all over Lancashire and Cheshire were joining Bolton-based gipsies for the funeral today of one of their best-loved characters, Dorothy Shaw, 81.

Ten limousines and dozens of vans and lorries were joining the huge funeral procession which left the official gipsy camp site on Hall Lane, Moses Gate at 11am under police escort.

The funeral cortege had an escort all the way to The Life and Light Mission in Ince Green Lane, Wigan for the funeral service at noon today.

Mrs Shaw, known to her family as Dolly, lived at the Hall Lane site.

She died of natural causes and had been in and out of hospital for the last three years.

Mrs Shaw, who loved family life, had nine children, more than 50 grandchildren and over 100 great-grandchildren.

Son-in-law Harry Shepherdson said: "She will be remembered for her kindness. She always had a kind word for everyone."

She was a born again Christian and was having a born again service led by a member of the large family, Laurence Young.

Great-grandson, Samson Shepherdson, aged 10, was playing his guitar at the service in tribute to his 'Granny Dolly'.

Police Superintendent Ian McLoughlin said the convoy escort was a joint enterprise between Bolton and Wigan police and the Greater Manchester Motorcycle Wing.

There was a team of motorcyclists, traffic cars and officers situated at road junctions for the safety of other road users as well as the vehicles in the procession.

Mr Shepherdson said the family were grateful to the police for their help. "The police have been marvellous. I can't thank them enough for what they have done for us."

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