Scores turned out to pay their respects as a Dodge pick-up truck led the funeral procession of an architect and campaigner.

A funeral service was held this afternoon (Tuesday, October 25) for Paul Shekleton, 71, from Walthamstow, who drowned while on holiday in Trinidad on September 25.

Crowds came out to honour the architect as a funeral procession, including a pick-up truck carrying Mr Shekleton’s coffin, travelled past his office in Orford Road.

Mr Shekleton was a prominent campaigner against the Mini Holland scheme in the street, and traffic restrictions were lifted to allow the procession through.

A service was then held at St Mary’s Church, in Church End.

Family, friends and clients of Mr Shekleton have taken to a page set up online in the past few days to pay tribute to him.

Former employee and friend, Irene Wong, said: How I wish I had the chance to have that catch up coffee with you.

“Your wry smile, gentle, honest manner and wealth of architectural knowledge will be greatly missed.”

Friend, Majid Ishaq, said: “I always found my interactions with Paul unique, informative, exceptionally friendly and a joy.

“He will be missed, and has left a host of memories for us to remember him by. A true gent. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.”

Mr Shekleton founded his own architectural firm in 1976, designing schemes across London and the Home Counties.

Some of his work can be seen in Church Avenue in Chingford, Lorne Road, Walthamstow and Chelsea Mews, in Wanstead.

He also co-founded the campaign group E17 Streets 4 All, which has demonstrated against the construction of the Mini Holland cycle scheme in Walthamstow, including in Orford Road.

He had been in the Caribbean to attend a wedding with his family at the time of his death.

Mr Shekleton had gone for a swim in the sea near the resort of Mayaro, but got into difficulty in rough waters.

He was found by rescuers around 15 minutes later, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.