Eastleigh was today due to pay tribute to a fundraising hero fondly known as Father Christmas.

The funeral procession of Pat Garwood, who died last month, was due to pass through the town centre this afternoon so Eastleigh people could bid their farewell to its one-man charity campaign.

The former railway worker was a familiar sight on the streets and in the pubs of Eastleigh, often in his trademark hat and T-shirt promoting his charity, the Patrick David Garwood, PDG, Trust - through which he raised more than £50,000 for needy and disabled children.

A horse and cart procession was due to head through Eastleigh to Pat's family home in Campbell Road before making the journey to Southampton Crematorium in Bassett Green Road for the service, which is to be held in the East Chapel at 3.40pm.

Mayor of Eastleigh Councillor June Hughes was due to attend the funeral service along with former mayor Councillor Glynn Davies-Dear, who was to speak at the service.

Cllr Davies-Dear said: "Pat was very well loved and he has gone unnoticed and unrecognised by a large number of the population and the authorities.

"He has done a remarkable job over the years as a one-man charity campaign and the amount that he has put in leaves the rest of us to be ashamed."

"We all owe Pat a lot."

Pat Garwood's family asked that instead of flowers, people wishing to make a contribution should donate money to the Cedar School in Nursling, which caters for disabled children.

Any donations should be made payable to the Cedar School, and sent to Paul Capper Ltd, The Independent Funeral Director, 42 Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DT.