A cortege including three very special cars meant Dudley's Ray Boxley got a fittingly stylish send off on his last journey.

Son Mark has said a thank you to those who came out to watch the funeral procession as it made its way to St Andrew’s Church in Netherton for a celebration of the life of the man behind Ray’s Taxis.

He was also touched by the many people who contacted him to say they had been one of the thousands of brides or grooms that Ray had transported to their weddings over the last fifty years.

Ray’s Taxis was famous across the borough for its wedding cars – he’s credited with being one of the first people to introduce white wedding cars in the country - while it also had its share of famous people in the back, as the firm had contracts to transport celebrities to events.

Ray died of Covid in late January and was buried on Saturday. He was 85.

Freeman’s Funeral Directors made the arrangements, but its was three of Ray’s beloved vintage or classic cars that took the eye – a 1933 Rolls Royce Sedanca De Ville; 1926 Rolls Royce Hooper; and 1968 Daimler 250.

At the service, the organ was played by long time associate and friend Tim Newey. The songs Born Free and Softly As I Leave You were sung, and tributes were by Mark, Wayne Boxley and Paul Waldron.

Mark said: “It was heartwarming to see people coming out to see dad even though they were not able to go into church on such a cold day. “

The Brier School, which Ray supported for many years, was represented by two members of staff wearing their uniforms.