Sleep tight 'Blue'

MOURNERS' RED AND WHITE TRIBUTE

- By Sam Volpe

HUNDREDS of people donned their finest red and white stripes at Saltwell Crematorium to give Liam Smith a proper Mackem sendoff.

Known affectionately as the only Sunderland fan in Dunston, Liam died suddenly at home aged just 27 on August 2.

At a moving ceremony, his predominantly Newcastle United-supporting mates ditched their own team for an hour or so to create a sea of Sunderland shirts and give the much-loved painter and decorator the sendoff he deserved.

In a humanist service, the celebrant shared stories from friends and family, while Liam's longstanding friends Nathan Turner and Jamie Hogg gave powerful addresses.