A HORSE-drawn hearse made an impressive sight in Malton last Thursday for the funeral service of Michael Eddery.

Mr Eddery, known as Mick, was a well-known local man who passed away on May 5 aged 88.

Originally from Ireland, Mr Eddery was a jockey by the age of 12, before moving to Malton in 1947.

The same year he met his wife, Betty and the couple were married three years later.

Mrs Eddery said her husband had come over to England to work in the local racing industry.

“He worked in the stables for many years, as well as at Rowntrees in York. He was also a labourer for a time,” she added.

“Mick gave up work after he had a heart attack when he was 56 but he always loved horses and could never walk past a bookies, though he didn’t bet much.”

Mrs Eddery said the family, including four children, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, decided on a horse-drawn hearse after he had seen one and said how nice it looked.

“Mick was well-known by racing people and people in Malton as well as at Suddaby’s where he was probably their oldest customer,” she added.

“It was nice to see so many at his funeral.”

The funeral service was held at St Leonard’s RC Church with donations to Jack Berry House and British Heart Foundation.