It was a striking procession to honour a cherished little boy and his love of Star Wars.
Stormtroopers passed through Hethersett, flanking an x-wing starfighter, yesterday morning for the funeral of Finnbar Cork, a five-year-old boy who died in August while fighting a brain tumour.
Other family members dressed as characters from the films, while families with youngsters donning superhero costumes lined the streets.
The private funeral came ahead of a public service of celebration tomorrow, at which dozens of mourners are expected to turn out to pay tribute to the bubbly little boy.
It was in March this year that Finnbar was diagnosed with a brain tumour, after his parents Claire and Tristan, who live in Hethersett, noticed he was having dizzy spells and tilting his head.
Despite weeks of chemotherapy and, later, radiotherapy, the family confirmed that Finnbar died at home, surrounded by loved ones, at the start of August.
His story captured hearts around the county, with well wishers banding together to raise £12,000 for the family.
Since Finnbar's death, fundraisers have continued in his name, with Mr and Mrs Cork donating any proceeds to children's tumour research charities or local families battling a tumour.
They also hope to raise awareness of tumours and their symptoms and push for greater research and funding into the cancer.
The service of celebration will be held at St Remigius Church, on Norwich Road in the village, at 2pm tomorrow.
The family ask that instead of flowers, people donate to the Sick Children's Trust and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) via Ivan Fisher Funeral Home in Hethersett.
• If you would like to pay tribute to Finnbar, please email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk
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