Thousands set to say farewell to legend Ricky

THOUSANDS of fans are expected to turn out and line the streets to say a final goodbye to Ricky Hatton.

- By CHRIS SLATER

The funeral of the Mancunian boxing icon, who died last month aged 46, is taking place today.

Ahead of a service at Manchester Cathedral at noon, the cortège is set to make a two-hour journey from Tameside to Manchester city centre, passing several spots with importance in Ricky's life and career, places that shaped him and that he loved.

Its first stop will be one of his local pubs, The Cheshire Cheese in the village of Gee Cross, where he lived, at around 9.45am.

It will then head to the Harehill Tavern, in Hattersley, where Ricky grew up.