Video and photos: Villagers in Kibworth pay a heartwarming final tribute to 'Fred'

The funeral of Fred procession sets off from Smeeton Road in Kibworth.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — The funeral of Fred procession sets off from Smeeton Road in Kibworth. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

Villagers in Kibworth paid a heartwarming final tribute to 'Fred' today (Wednesday September 30).

People turned out in driving rain as much-loved local man Stephen Winter, 57, known to everyone as Fred, was laid to rest by his family after his procession wended its way through the village he made his home.

Many villagers took their canine companions with them – and Fred would have loved that being a lifelong dog lover.

There were tears and even the leaden-grey skies wept as Fred made one last emotion-charged journey through the village he had come to know and cherish over the last 20 years.

Watch a video of the procession here.

James Bambury, a good friend of Fred’s, has raised an astonishing £7,500 after setting up an online fundraising appeal to remember Fred, originally from nearby Fleckney.

Fred, who was homeless, was found dead in Smeeton Road Recreation Ground just before 8am on the morning of Sunday September 6.

Police investigating his death said they were treating it as “unexplained” but did not suspect any foul play.