THE family of former window cleaner Steve Burton have said they were overwhelmed by the dozens of people who paid a final tribute to the "one-in-a-million bloke" at his funeral service today.
Friends who could not fit into St Philip's Church, in Chaddesden, lined the streets outside to pay their last respects to the 50-year-old who was found dead at his home in Selkirk Street last month.
They then attended a service at Markeaton Crematorioum and afterwards, Mr Burton's sister, Susan Burton, of Siddals Road, said: "I am overwhelmed with everyone who has turned up. It was a lovely service."
She previously said: "I'm absolutely heartbroken and find it very hard thinking I will never see him again."
Many of Mr Burton's friends were at the funeral sharing and comparing memories they had of him.
Anthony Millward, of Albert Road, Chaddesden, said he will miss having Mr Burton as a friend.
He said: "It was a really lovely service. Steve was a one-in-a-million bloke.
"He was just a really nice chap."
Father Julian Hollywell, vicar of Spondon, conducted the service.
He said: "You have come here in great numbers. Everyone who was his friend had the privilege of a conversation a drink and a joke with him."
Father Hollywell passed on family tributes to the people at the service. He said he was impressed with the composure at the family at this sad time.
He said: "Stephen was a good friend and that was very evident. He liked a drink and was popular with the ladies in his younger days.
"Stephen was tragically taken but he is at peace.
"You love him."
He said the family had shared many happy memories of Mr Burton which had brought laughter to the family.
During the service there was bursts of laughter and happiness when Father Hollywell recalled some memories of Mr Burton.
Mr Burton's nephew, Dean Burton, began the tributes. He spoke of his memories of Mr Burton as a window cleaner without a car.
After his death, tributes were left at Sussex Circus, an area of Chaddesden where he liked to spend time socialising with people.
Julie Titheridge, 38, of Selkirk Street, has appeared in court charged with Mr Burton's murder. She is due to stand trial on December 15.
