Hundreds of people crammed into The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common for a service to celebrate the life of Stroud legend Don Walker.

The much-loved baker, known as Don the Dough, who founded Walkers the Bakers in Kendrick Street, Stroud, died last month aged 76.

Those who attended the service were greeted by a traditional Walkers van with the name DON written on the windscreen with bread, providing a moment of laughter before an emotional service.

Donald Carl Walker was born on December 28, 1942 and was described by those at the service as one of the ‘kindest and most generous people’ they had ever met.

When he was young his family moved to Amberley to assist the bakery that his father Wilf had set up as part of his business.

Soon after, the Stroud bakery opened in 1961 and has been there ever since, lodging itself firmly in the history of the town.

Friends, colleagues and family, including his children Jodie and Jamie, all shared their memories.

The service was conducted by John Knowles, who spoke glowingly about Don.

He started the service by reading the famous nursery rhyme pat-a-cake, before a close childhood friend, Ray, recalled some memories for the congregation.

“We met when we were around 10 years old in Southall and stayed friends,” he said.

“I have very dear memories of Don and I am sure that a lot of people here do as well, he was just a really super chap.”

Another friend, Brendan Clements, echoed Ray’s words, explaining what made Don so loved.

“It is a privilege to be asked by the family to share some memories of Don today,” he explained.

“He was one of the kindest and most generous men.

“He was a real wind-up merchant but thanks for being the greatest friend.”

Finally, Don's son Jamie spoke, describing his father as ‘very clever and well-read’.

He told countless stories that had the room laughing out loud and rattled off a number of Don’s popular sayings.

“We were not able to really get to know our father until he was forced to spend time with us after he got divorced,” he joked.

“He was clever and very well-read, he would not tell us he loved us a lot or give us hugs but he would tell others how much he cared.

“I like to think that someone’s afterlife is how they are remembered.”

Don Walker will forever be known as a true gentleman and a legend in Stroud.