The beloved Reds striker, known to fans as Sir Roger, died last month aged 83. England and Anfield icons flocked to the Merseyside city's cathedral to say goodbye to the forward, Liverpool's record league scorer with 244 goals.

       Hunt was also a key player in Sir Alf Ramsey's England side that won the World Cup in 1966.

       Former Liverpool superstars Ian Rush and Kevin Keegan and ex-manager Roy Evans were among those in attendance at the service.

       Keegan, 70, told well-wishers: "He was a World Cup winner in 1966. He was Liverpool's top scorer for eight years. He scored the first goal on Match Of The Day. He scored five hat-tricks in a season. I could go on and on.

       "Why isn't there a statue of Sir Roger Hunt, as an inspiration to everyone passing by, the kids who want to play football?"

       Former England team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst, 79, was unable to make the service but his moving eulogy was read to the packed congregation.

       It read: "Roger was a great player, a very special person and a class act who I was privileged to have as my strike partner but, more importantly, my friend."

       Hunt's funeral cortege, with his coffin draped in a red Liverpool flag, was applauded by fans outside Anfield before heading to the cathedral.

       His wife Rowan, children David and Julie and stepchildren Katie and Wayne were joined for the service by between 300 and 400 mourners.

       Liverpool's anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, was sung before Hunt's coffin departed to the tune ahead of a private ceremony at the Anfield Crematorium.

       Born in Golborne, Cheshire, in 1938, Hunt signed for Liverpool in 1958 and made his 492nd and final outing for the club in 1969.

       He is the sixth 1966 World Cup winner to pass away since May 2018.

       His death leaves Hurst, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Cohen as the only three surviving players from the final.