Hundreds of people are expected line the streets of Wanstead and Woodford ahead of the funeral of one of the UK’s most high profile union leaders, later today.

Friends and colleagues of Bob Crow have been invited to line the route of the procession leaving from Snakes Lane East at midday.

The route will continue through High Street, Wanstead, arriving at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium in Manor Park at around 12.45pm.

The final journey for the Rail, Maritime and Transport union leader is expected to be lined with trade union banners and flags.

Mr Crow, the union's general secretary who lived in Woodford died of a suspected heart attack, aged 52, on March 11.

A minutes silence will also be held at 1.30pm, which the RMT requests all members, staff, colleagues and friends observe.

Donations on behalf of Mr Crow can be made to the British Heart Foundation.

His family has also requested a national RMT mobilisation for the London May Day march to “honour Bob and his legendary championing of workers’ rights”.