A POPULAR taxi driver was given a send off to remember.

Black cab drivers Manchester Airport lined up outside The Holy Family Church in Worsley for the funeral of their friend, Steve Clouston, who lived in Astley.

Steve died at the age of 62 after battling cancer for six months.

The die-hard Manchester United fan, who travelled home and abroad to watch his side play, requested mourners to dress casually and to wear football shirts at his funeral.

He is remembered as a popular and funny person as well as a dog lover.

There were around 200 people that flooded into the Chaddock Lane church before the funeral party headed to the Astley and Tyldesley Miners Welfare Club for Steve's wake.

Steve began his career as a taxi driver in 1981.

His brother, Vinnie, set up his own taxi company with his girlfriend that year, and he and was due to leave his job as a building site manager, but died on his last day in an accident.

Steve, who was a heating engineer, stepped in to help the new business and worked as a taxi driver for the rest of his career.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ann, his son Dominic, daughter Carly and his five grandchildren.

His daughter Carly is expecting her fourth baby on Christmas Day- the same date as Steve's birthday.

He was also a very proud dad after walking his daughter down the aisle on December 29 for her wedding last year at the Worsley Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club.

Steve's funeral took place on Wednesday, June 27.