COLLEAGUES and friends of much-loved Graham Walmsley, who died at the age of 57, burst into an emotional round of applause as they lined the street to pay their respects to "one of the best'.

The emotional scene took place as the funeral procession made its way passed Bolton College, where Graham worked.

Graham, Chairman of the Bolton branch of Unison died on June 6.

The funeral service took place at West Chapel at Overdale Crematorium yesterday.

Scores of people lined the street outside Bolton College, where Graham worked in the exams department, and near to Overdale to pay their final respects ­— many carrying Unison flags.

The Bolton News:

Graham (pictured) who lived with his family in Heaton, served as the Branch Chairman of Bolton Unison and was an exams administrator at Bolton College.

Devastated colleagues described him as a "highly respected and true professional".

The service was the celebration of the life of one who has been described as 'one of the best'.

Donations can be made in Graham's name to Royal Bolton Hospital's Critical Care Unit through Season's Funeral Service.