The 'Match of the Day' football theme tune was played at the funeral of Norwich City FC head steward Pat Nelson, known as 'Mr Carrow', yesterday.

Mr Nelson, who died on November 27 after a short battle with illness, would have been a familiar face to many at Carrow Road where he served for more than 41 years, and was most recently in charge of the turnstile operators.

Hundreds of people packed into the 69-year-old's funeral at Earlham crematorium in Norwich, and many wore yellow and green as a tribute to Mr Nelson.

His daughter Heidi Ayers said: 'There must have been close to 300 people at the funeral. Everybody wore yellow and green which we asked them to and which was absolutely fantastic. It was a celebration of dad's life. The Match of the Day theme tune and Status Quo's Rockin' All Over the World were played, and as a family we would like to say thanks to everyone who came.'

The service was conducted by David Southgate from the Meadow Way Chapel in Hellesdon.

As reported, Mr Nelson, who had lived for the past 46 years at the same address in Hellesdon, acquired the affectionate nickname of 'Mr Carrow' from a policeman, and the joke behind it was that if anything was going on and they needed somebody to respond to it, 'Mr Carrow' was in such and such a stand.

Following his death, tributes were paid to Mr Nelson on the Pink 'Un website.

Since his retirement he had worked as a delivery driver and each year he worked at the Royal Norfolk Show at the Showground in Costessey. He was also part of the local scout group, The Second Hellesdon, for 30 years.

He leaves behind his wife Val, son Alex and daughter Heidi, and four grandchildren – Stephanie, Erin, Trey and Samuel.

Would you like to pay tribute to a loved one? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.