Photo journal: Belfast mourns George Best

The Cregagh road, leading away from the estate was lined with wellwishers, many of them from the estate itself.

The family had asked for fans not to gather at the house itself as the final preparations were completed.

David Anderson had come from Carrickfergus to wait in the darkness for the final journey of his longtime hero.

"I grew up with George Best. He is my hero, my idol. His talent was amazing, but people tend to forget he was also such a lovely person."