Hundreds attend funeral of farming pioneer Eric Freeman

Eric Freeman was passionate about Morris dancing

Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of farming pioneer and conservationist Eric Freeman.

One of the founders of the British rare breeds movement, the 91-year-old was instrumental in saving Gloucester cattle.

In 2013, King Charles III presented him with a life-time achievement award for his services to conservation.

Mr Freeman's vintage hay waggon took him through Newent to his final resting place in Taynton village.

Mr Freeman's wicker coffin was draped in the flag of Gloucestershire and pulled along by one of his favourite Shire horses, Millie, as per his last wishes.

Eric Freeman had rescued and restored a vintage waggon which was built in Gloucester 100 years ago

He was a nationally-respected breeder of Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs and Cotswold sheep, who also kept heavy horses, poultry and waterfowl.

BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter Vernon Harwood was friends with Mr Freeman for 30 years and said he was moved by the 700-strong turnout.

"What does that say about a man at 91 years of age? That he brings his hometown to a standstill, but that's what he did today," Mr Harwood said.

"It was so Eric, it was so wonderful. He had Gloucestershire coursing through his veins," he added.

Eric Freeman was 91 years old when he died

Speakers at the service included Libby Henson, who read out the opening chapter of a book written by her brother - Countryfile presenter Adam Henson - about Mr Freeman's work with rare breed conservation.

"He was very much loved by lots of different communities of people, and they've all turned out in full force today. It's wonderful," she said.

Mr Freeman's son, Clifford Freeman, also expressed his gratitude for the turnout and shared his hopes for his father's legacy.

"There's a lot of people that have come a long way and I can't thank them enough," Clifford Freeman said.

Clifford Freeman will hold a festival in his father's memory next year

"He has done things for Gloucestershire, traditional stuff, that nobody would have ever thought of doing. I believe, and I hope, that it will carry on," he added.

Clifford Freeman has now taken ownership of his father's cattle herd and plans to host a festival next year to celebrate his life and legacy.

"Traditional Gloucestershire as he knew it when he was a boy is still here because of him," he said.

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