Final farewell to legend Seve

Mourning ... Seve's son Javier holds the urn carrying his father's ashes

THOUSANDS of people gathered today to say a final farewell to golfing legend Seve Ballesteros.

Family and friends came together at an intimate ceremony at San Pedro church, in Pedrena, northern Spain, as many more lined the streets outside.
Golfers Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance, Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez were just a few of the famous names who attended to honour Ballesteros' life.
The golfing star, who died of brain cancer aged 54, on Saturday, was laid to rest in his birthplace.

Genius ... Seve Ballesteros

With the sound of a bagpipe filling the air, fans applauded as a silent procession marched along the ten-minute route from his family home to the church. His eldest son, Javier, carried the urn holding the golf great's ashes at the front.
Ballesteros' ashes were set to be scattered under a magnolia tree in the family garden after the service.
The Spaniard's funeral will be followed by three days of mourning in the region around his home as fans remember his incredible shot-making skills and the boundless charisma he brought to the game.

Fellow golfing greats ... former Ryder Cup captains Bernard Gallacher, Colin Montgomery, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam

Members of the local rowing club provided a guard of honour with raised oars — his father had been a rower and trainer at the club which carries his name — and the procession made its way down the streets, passing houses with Spanish flags hanging from balconies embossed with black ribbons.

Paying his respects ... Nick Faldo

Large screens were put up in the village square to allow the crowds to watch the funeral, while Spain's secretary of state for sport Albert Soler, former cyclist Miguel Indurain and former Spanish striker Emilio Butragueno were among those at the service.
Golf clubs across Spain held a minute's silence as a mark of respect.
Before his funeral, the Ballesteros family said: "Seve will be cremated at a ceremony that will be as intimate as possible and at a place that nobody will know.
"That was his express wish. His ashes will remain at his estate, at his home in Pedrena."
Ballesteros passed away at his home with his three children at his bedside along with his ex-wife Carmen and was laid to rest in his favourite golfing outfit - a blue pullover and blue trousers.
He was initially diagnosed in October 2008 when he was rushed to hospital after collapsing at an airport.
Scans revealed a brain tumour and he underwent a 12-hour operation before receiving chemotherapy treatment.
The five-time Major winner retired from the public eye to battle the illness.

Remembered ... golf shoes, tees and ball among tributes left to Seve Ballesteros