A FOUR-horse funeral cortège took a well known Teignmouth man on his final journey through the town, writes John Ware.

It was the send off that Richard 'Dick' Cousins wanted, and the procession through the town centre attracted a lot of attention.

The horses came from a firm in Somerset, and a spokesman for undertaker T Clark said it was a rare sight these days and had not happened in Teignmouth for many years.

Mr Cousins, 65, a popular plasterer, was taken to St James' Church, followed by a wake at Teignmouth Rugby Club and burial at Teignmouth cemetery.

His daughter-in-law, Anita Cousins, said he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2010, but remained positive and strong.

'He never gave up fighting. We gave dad the send-off he deserved, and the horses were his final wish.

'It took him along the seafront, where he loved walking.

'His death has left a massive hole in our family – he was the glue that held everything together.

'We have had massive support, which just shows how well loved he was.'

Mr Cousins moved to Teignmouth at the age of eight from Totnes with his parents. He trained as a plasterer at the age of 15, going on to set up his own successful business.

One of his favourite pastimes was to play at the Shaldon golf course on Sundays with best friend Ray Dart, which he did until the disease took its toll.

His wife Barbara died nearly 20 years ago. They had four children, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

His latest grandson, Arthur, was born on Monday, less than three weeks after his death.

Mr Cousins' son Gavin is continuing the business.