"His education was the Govan library" -Jimmy Reid

UNION legend Jimmy Reid "came home" to his beloved Govan yesterday.

Thousands lined the streets as his funeral cortege passed the shipyards where he led the famous 1971 work-in.

And Sir Alex Ferguson told almost 1000 mourners who crammed into a service to celebrate his life: "The Govan boy has come home - home to this historic place. This was his theatre - an outstanding man."

Jimmy died last week aged 78 following a short illness.

His widow Joan and daughters Eileen, Shona and Julie were joined by friends and family, as well as leading figures from politics, arts and entertainment at the humanist service at Govan Old Parish Church.

Among the mourners were former PM Gordon Brown, Labour leadership contender Ed Balls, Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray, Solidarity leader Tommy Sheridan, writer William McIllvany, actress Elaine C Smith, entertainer Johnny Beattie and musician Aly Bain.

Sir Alex, who grew up alongside Jimmy in Govan, paid a glowing tribute at the service to a cherished personal friend.

He said: "He was older than me but we used to play together.

"Our education was football, his education was the Govan library. He was never out of there - he had such a great intellect."