Gordon Sparks: Applause for BBC Radio Devon presenter at funeral

The service at Home Park was led by Argyle club chaplain Arthur Goode

The funeral of BBC radio presenter and football commentator Gordon Sparks has taken place.

It was held at Plymouth Argyle's Home Park, where "Sparksy" as he was known, commentated for 32 years.

About 2,000 people in the stands applauded as the coffin was brought in to the ground before a service led by Argyle club chaplain Arthur Goode.

The 61-year-old was being treated for cancer at a hospice in Plymouth when he died on 16 October.

Gordon Sparks commentated on Argyle matches for 32 years

The football club encouraged guests to wear Argyle colours, and bring shirts and scarves with them "as we bathe Home Park in green one more time for Sparksy".

Argyle fan Clive Partridge said Gordon was "part of the fabric of Argyle".

"His commentaries were absolutely brilliant and made you feel like you were there," he said.

"We are paying respect to a great man, who put Plymouth on the map."

'One of us'

BBC Radio Devon listener Ann Marie said: "Wherever you saw him he would stop to say hello.

"He always had time for everyone else."

Another mourner said: "It's so sad that he's gone at such a young age.

"He was an Argyle man, he was one of us."

A floral tribute to Gordon from his family

Tributes were paid to Gordon by Argyle's first team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Radio Devon presenter Angela Kalwaites and included a montage of Gordon's best bits from his radio career.

There was more applause as the coffin left the ground to the sound of Rockin' All Over the World by Status Quo, one of Gordon's favourite bands.

BBC Radio Devon presenter Michael Chequer said the applause went on for long after the coffin had left the ground.

"This was a celebration of a life well lived," he said.

"The measure of the man is that the only place big enough for his funeral was a football stadium."

As well as commentating for Argyle, Gordon had a long career in radio, with spells at Hospital Radio Plymouth and Plymouth Sound, before becoming BBC Radio Devon's breakfast show presenter.

There was a collection for Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre, the Chestnut Appeal, and St Luke's Hospice.

Guests were encouraged to wear Argyle colours