THE coffin of a 'quiet hero' who dedicated his life to a Worcestershire town was brought to church along the canal on a work boat. 

An intimate gathering of family and friends celebrated the life of Arthur Charles Page who died peacefully while holding his daughter's hand at the age of 93 on December 9. 

Daughter Mary Page wanted to give her dad a final boat trip from Stourport Basin and along the canal to Mitton Bridge ahead of his funeral at St Michael and All Angels church.

She said the day was "a celebration of a life well lived rather than the mourning of loss." 

On Friday, March 10, Friends and coffin bearers carried Mr Page where it was placed on top of a boat. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: FUNERAL: Family and coffin bearers carried the coffin to the boat FUNERAL: Family and coffin bearers carried the coffin to the boat (Image: NQ)

Mr Page used to run the charity boat Charmaine from Stourport basin and won the hearts of his family by always saying "love will find a way". 

The coffin was adorned with flowers and attendees became part of the funeral procession by foot. 

Guests were taking pictures and videos of the boat making its way down the canal with the funeral directors and Miss Page standing behind the coffin.

Kidderminster Shuttle: FUNERAL: Arthur Page's funeral was on March 10 FUNERAL: Arthur Page's funeral was on March 10 (Image: NQ)

Spirits were high among the guests and many said "Arthur would have loved this" as the coffin made its way down the canal. 

The canal boat also stopped by Mitton Lodge where Mr Page lived for three years. 

Miss Page said: "Dad lived a good, full, and mostly happy life, and there are a great many people who miss him.

Kidderminster Shuttle: FUNERAL: Friends and family attended the funeral FUNERAL: Friends and family attended the funeral (Image: NQ)

"That's part of the reason I and his friends have gone to the effort of arranging such a great send-off."

Mr Page was born by the Severn in Gloucester in the 1930s and was described as a kind and loving family member. 

Miss Page also said: "He had a keen sense of wit and was a generous with his DIY as he was with kindness and laughter. He lived a full and happy life and is sorely missed."