Sometimes it is the worst of events which bring out the best in people.

Eastern Daily Press: David Daniels spent his entire life living in Norwich. Photo: Submitted.David Daniels spent his entire life living in Norwich. Photo: Submitted. (Image: Archant)

After a fire in his flat in Winchester Tower, Norwich, David Daniels was transferred from the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to the Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.

He died from his injuries and as there was no money in his estate or next of kin able to pay for the cost of his funeral his body was stuck in Essex where he would have been given a 'pauper's burial' by the local authority.

But residents and shopkeepers of nearby Vauxhall Street were upset to learn this as Mr Daniels had never left Norfolk in his lifetime, so to be laid to rest in Essex felt wrong.

A campaign raised the £1,500 needed to bring his body back to Norwich and arrange a funeral.

Donations came in from across the country mainly from people who had not heard of Mr Daniels but were touched by the story.

Shayne Stork at John Brown Funeral Services in Sprowston conducted the funeral at cost price.

Mr Stork said: 'I think this has brought the whole community together at a time when people don't even really speak to their neighbours.'

'We are bringing David back home one last time to say thanks to the community who made it possible for him to be laid to rest in his home city.'

The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon at Earlham Crematorium and the hearse passed Mr Daniels' old flat in Winchester Tower.