WELL over a thousand mourners filled the streets of Aberystwyth today in an extraordinary outpouring of grief at the passing of a hugely popular father-of-three.

Family and friends of Aberystwyth rugby legend Eifion Gwynne, 41, who was tragically killed after being hit by a car in Spain on 22 October, gathered at Capel y Morfa, Portland Street, on Saturday afternoon, to pay their final respects.

Aberystwyth was brought to a standstill and mourners were asked to park on the outskirts of town due to the sheer number of mourners expected to attend the funeral.

After leaving the family home on St David’s Road, the hearse carried Eifion through crowds as it headed along the promenade, turning onto Terrace Road, before heading down Portland Street, where Eifion’s best friends and former teammates led the hearse to the chapel.

Following an emotional service, which was watched by many on a big screen outside, the hearse transported Eifion back through town, down Plascrug Avenue, and to his final resting place at Plascrug Cemetery.

Aberystwyth Rugby Club, which had cancelled its home game against Gowerton for the funeral, hosted a wake in a marquee on the rugby pitch.