THE Kidderminster community came together to bid "one of Horsefair's remarkable characters" a final farewell.

A funeral was held for the "legendary" horse dealer Joe Calder at St Mary's and All Saints' Church on Friday afternoon (October 18).

Joe Calder was a well known horse dealer in KidderminsterJoe Calder was a well known horse dealer in Kidderminster (Image: Family handout)

Family members followed a horse-drawn hearse from Eddy Road to the church, whilst Mr Calder's beloved black pickup truck carried flowers.

At the church, hundreds of people from near and far gathered to pay their respects. People entered the church to The Wonder of You by Elvis Presley.

During the service, the Venerable Hayward Osbourne addressed mourners describing Mr Calder as a "colourful character" and a "great horse dealer" who was "larger than life."

He said: "He had an affinity with animals right from early times. He became a caring assessor of animals.

"He was known far and wide in horse dealing circles as well as being a legendary figure here in Kidderminster.

"He has been one of Horsefair's remarkable characters".

Joe CalderJoe Calder (Image: Family handout)

He also spoke about Mr Calder's close bond with his twin brother Harold.

He added: "Through life as twins they've done just about everything together.

"They have felt things together - an intuition between them - sensing each other's mood even when they're far apart".

The two were also known for working in the scrap iron business, which Mr Calder did well into his 80s.

Joe Calder (left) with his twin brother HaroldJoe Calder (left) with his twin brother Harold (Image: Family handout)

Mr Calder had six children, Joseph Jr, David, Mary, Henry, Robert and Laura, with his wife Nina, who died in 2002. He was also a grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of eight.

His grandson Michael read out a poem by Donna Schilling called Goodnight during the service.

Hymns sang at the funeral were The Old Rugged Cross and One More Step Along the World I Go.

Mourners exited the church to the Gracie Fields song Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye.

Joe and Nina CalderJoe and Nina Calder (Image: Family handout)

The funeral was followed by a burial service in St George's Churchyard, Kidderminster.

Mr Calder's daughter Mary Perry thanked those who attended the funeral.  

She said: "It was a wonderful tribute to him. The service was lovely. 

"I was overwhelmed by how many were there and what a good turnout it was".