Prince and Fergie lead stars and fans' farewell to nation's favourite footballer

Tears and laughs at memorial for Man Utd and England icon

- Chris Riches

THOUSANDS of tearful Manchester Bobby applauded Sir United fans Charlton's funeral cortege as it passed the stadium he made a Theatre of Dreams.

His hearse paused by Old Trafford's United Trinity statue Sir Bobby with teammates George Best and Denis Law as the club's U-21 and U-18 players, in black suits, stood with their heads bowed.

The Prince of Wales, president of the FA, attended yesterday's private memorial service in Manchester Cathedral.

Ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson and every living United captain were among the 1,000 guests, along with prominent former players, representatives of other clubs plus Sir Bobby's family and friends.

Silence fell as pallbearers carried in his coffin, bedecked with white roses. Sir Bobby's widow Lady Norma was joined by their daughters Suzanne and Andrea.

The hymns included FA Cup Final favourite Abide With Me, Jerusalem and a rendition of How Great Thou Art from opera singer Russell Watson.

Sir Bobby's grandson William Balderston said the football favourite had loved spending time with him. He was a "fantastic storyteller" who would make up "jelly custard" and tales to entertain youngsters.

He told mourners that Sir Bobby and Lady Normal "have shown me what devotion really is".