Crowd gathers as town bids farewell to ‘Mr Axminster’, Alderman Douglas Hull

Douglas Hull.Picture: Chris Carson (Image: Archant)

The hearse that was carrying the coffin of the man who had served in local government in various offices over five decades, pulled up outside the Minster, where mourners were waiting, among them councillors, former councillors, business people and members of the community.

A short service was led by the Reverend Clive Sedgwick, with those who were there observing social distancing.

The hearse remained for around half and hour, and mourners had the chance to say a personal farewell at the back of the hearse.

As the hearse pulled away, a spontaneous round of applause rippled through the crowd as ‘Mr Axminster’ left Trinity Square for the last time.

The hearse makes it way through Axminster. Picture: Andrew Coley (Image: Archant)

But before finally leaving the town to travel for a private service at East Devon Crematorium, at Whimple, the hearse briefly stopped outside The Guildhall, where a small group paid their own respects.

The hearse leaves Trinity Square. Picture: Andrew Coley (Image: Archant)

The Reverend Clive Sedgwick let a short service outside the Minster to remember the life of Alderman Douglas Hull. Picture: Andrew Coley (Image: Archant)

A crowd gathered outside the Minster. Picture: Andrew Coley (Image: Archant)

The hearse stopped outside the Minster. Picture: Andrew Coley (Image: Archant)

The hearse stopped outside The Guildhall, as Alderman Douglas Hull left the town for the last time. Picture: Andrew Coley (Image: Archant)

A small gathering of people outside The Guildhall pay their last respects. Picture: Andrew Coley (Image: Archant)