CROWDS are being urged to turn out and line the streets for the final journey of Bradford's 'Jesus Man.'

The funeral cortege of 88-year-old Geoffrey Brindley, who died in hospital in August after falling at his Baildon home, will symbolically pass along some of his best-known city routes today before arriving at Bradford Cathedral at 1pm.

It will head into the city from Shipley, along Manningham Lane, passing Valley Parade, and on to Hamm Strasse. The procession will then go on to Barkerend Road, to Thornbury roundabout before turning back along Leeds Road and Church Bank.

James Edmundson, a friend of Mr Brindley's, said he hoped despite the funeral being on a weekday people would find the time to line the route and show their respect.

He said: "I hope people will still come. I know there will be a lot of people who would like to come but might struggle because it's a weekday and they are at work but it would be wonderful if they could try to be there somehow. It would be appreciated."

Mr Edmundson added: "We are hoping there will be flowers in Bradford City colours as a tribute from the people of Bradford. Many people knew him just from him waving at them but there were also many people who did a lot for him in their own quiet ways.

VIDEO: Geoffrey Brindley's funeral route

"There were people, especially from the Muslim community along Leeds Road, who would give him food. He would leave home with no lunch on him but would return on an evening with food that people had given him. He was well known and very much loved."

The service will be led by Baildon St John's Church vicar, the Reverend Sandra Benham after a welcome by Canon Mandy Coutts of Bradford Cathedral.

Funeral of 'Bradford Jesus Man' Geoffrey Brindley gets under way

A poem is also due to be read by a former Bradford resident of more than 50 years, Michael Kerrigan, from Lincolnshire who fondly remembers him and put pen to paper as his own tribute.

It is understood a cousin of Mr Brindley's will no longer be attending the service.

Mourners will sing three hymns, Jerusalem, Abide With Me and How Great Thou Art before a private committal.

  • Are you lining the funeral cortege route for Mr Brindley's funeral? Share your pictures by emailing newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or on Twitter @Bradford_TandA