Grieving Claire says a tearful farewell as 'people's champ' is laid to rest

CLAIRE Sweeney was in tears as she left Ricky Hatton's funeral service yesterday.

- By RYAN PATON

Ricky's coffin is carried into the cathedral

The Coronation Street star attended the service at Manchester Cathedral as she paid respect to her former partner, who died last month aged 46.

The former Brookside actor started dating the boxing legend after their long friendship blossomed into romance when they both competed on Dancing On Ice last year. They were in a relationship before they confirmed their split last December. The two remained on good terms after the split and regularly showed support for one another until Ricky's death in September.