When a community comes together, with a shared purpose, the atmosphere changes and a certain tangible spirit is created. And there was certainly something in the air on Tuesday morning, when people were given the chance to pay their final respects to Francis Spencer.

As I walked towards Twickenham shortly after 9am I could tell that this was no morning commute for the other people on the path, and that we were heading to the same destination.

Even when we all turned left at the same point off Richmond Road, a surprise was still waiting around the corner.

The pavements and road outside St Mary's Church was packed as people gathered to say goodbye to a friend and pillar of the community, Francis.

This was a truly special occasion, befitting a special person.

Francis occupied a unique, public-facing position in Twickenham as the 'captain' of Hammertons Ferry. Year after year in a small motor boat he took countless residents and visitors across the water from the jetty just outside Marble Hill Park to Ham and back.

His family knew the community held Francis in high esteem and wanted people to have the chance to be there on his "final journey". So they decided to organise a procession through Church Street after the family funeral, with the support of Richmond Council.

Residents lined both sides of the street as if forming a guard of honour. And when the hearse made its way to the church end of the street, the crowd burst into spontaneous applause.

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The cars stopped outside the church where Francis's family got out and the vicar, Rev Jeff Hopkin Williams gave his address, making sure his voice was loud and clear so he could be heard down the street. Fittingly, the reverend used not holy water, but Thames water for the blessing.

In the most poignant moment of an emotional occasion, Francis's son Andy paused a moment to wave and thank the crowd before stepping into the car to drive off.

Afterwards the family sent this message: "To the wonderful Richmond and Twickenham community.

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Applause for Hammertons Ferry captain after funeral

"Today was a day of heartache for our family but with your support this morning it brought us contentment and comfort in our hour of need.

"It filled our hearts to know our dad was so loved not just by us but by so many of you.

"The river community is our life and what an amazing community you are. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this day so memorable.

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"'To our dad, our hero - The Ferryman'."