Hundreds turn out to bid a final farewell to Best

Published on Friday 17 March 2006 01:40

HUNDREDS of people gathered yesterday to say a final farewell to George Best at a star-studded service.

About 1,000 people attended the memorial service at Manchester cathedral for an hour of prayers, anecdotes and tributes to the footballing legend.

Hundreds more braved the cold weather to watch a live transmission of the event on a big screen in the city's Exchange Square.

Best's family, including his father Dickie, sister Barbara McNarry, former wife Alex and son Calum, were joined by a host of football players and managers, past and present, who wanted to remember the star.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United squad and Best's friend and former team-mate Denis Law were all among the congregation.

Members of the public who were lucky enough to win a ticket in a ballot also filled the cathedral.

Former Manchester United, Northern Ireland and Hibs player Best died of multiple organ failure at Cromwell Hospital in west London on 25 November last year, following years of alcohol addiction.

Friends and former team-mates led the tributes to Best. Actor James Nesbitt, an avid United fan, fronted the service, while opera star Russell Watson sang two songs and Jane Busby, granddaughter of Old Trafford legend Sir Matt Busby, gave a reading.

Speaking after the service, the former Scotland internationalist Law said the saddest thing about the day was the fact that Best was not there himself.