AN EMOTIONAL and fitting farewell has been paid to a Caia Park man described as a Wrexham 'local hero'.

The funeral of FC Queens Park manager Martin Ford took place at a packed St Giles' Parish Church in the town centre, which itself was also packed with mourners yesterday afternoon.

Mr Ford, of Rose Grove, died on suddenly on May 7, aged only 39, leaving behind wife Kelly and three-year-old daughter Summer.

His death stunned the Caia estate and the North Wales football community, and it was standing room only at St Giles for the service given by Reverend Jonathan Smith, vicar of St Mark's Church in Caia Park.

As Mr Ford's family and friends entered to 'Ten Story Love Songs' by the Stone Roses, the aisles were packed with members of the congregation wearing red FC Queens Park replica home shirts with 'Fordy' emblazoned on the back.

The first hymn was 'Morning has broken' before Rev Smith gave a reading from St John's Gospel.

He said: "Martin was very much a person for his family and his wider family - the community.

"Martin has trained you all well to take over some of the important things in his life.

"There was a selflessness about his life."

Mr Ford's friend Andy Simon paid tribute. He said: "Martin had a heart of gold and he would help you in any way he could.

"Many friends loved him dearly. In many people's eyes he was a local hero.

"He gave so much to the community and expected nothing in return."

Mr Simon described Mr Ford's childhood growing up on Deva Way, his closeness to his grandmother Delia Douglas, his "queen bee", his love of football, Wrexham AFC and food.

Before one home game at the Racecourse, Mr Simon said the friends were together in the Wrexham Lager Club but with just 20 minutes to kick-off Mr Simon suddenly noticed Martin beginning to tuck into gammon, egg and chips.

Worried they might miss the start of the game, Mr Ford assured him they would be on time, polished off the meal, and they were there with five minutes still to spare.

Mr Simon added: "He was a talented bass player, having great success with many bands and playing at the O2 in London in the final of the 'Battle of the Bands' competition."

He described how Mr Ford married his "soulmate" Kelly in 2012, the arrival of daughter Summer in August 2014, his pride at becoming a father and the couple's gratitude to Wrexham Maelor Hospital for their care after she was born prematurely.

Mr Simon also mentioned Mr Ford's football achievements, setting up FC Queens Park in 2013 from scratch, taking them to the second-tier of Welsh football and giving youngsters from the estate a chance to play football they would not otherwise have had.

He mentioned Mr Ford's enjoyment of banter with rival players and managers, as well as his love of the MOD scene and membership of Queens Park Scooter Club.

Mr Simon added: "He became known as the 'banter king' of Wrexham. He was nothing short of a hero'.

This was followed by a song about Martin, called 'Local hero', by Wrexham musician Terry Allen.

The second hymn of the service was 'Guide me, O my great Redeemer'.

As the service came to an end, Mr Ford was carried out to 'Live Forever' by Oasis.

Mr Ford is also survived by mother Sharon Harrison, father Paul Ford, stepmother Tracy, brothers Ryan and Shane Ford, and sisters Susan Capper, Naomi Harrison and Rebecca Ford.