In pictures: Football world says farewell to Sir Bobby Charlton

Fans and members of the public were invited to celebrate the World Cup-winner’s life and glittering career before a service at Manchester Cathedral.

A host of former footballers were in attendance as the sport bid a final farewell to Manchester United and England great Sir Bobby Charlton.

The 1966 World Cup winner’s funeral cortege was welcomed with gentle applause by thousands of fans as it drove past Old Trafford’s East Stand and the United Trinity statue, which features Charlton, George Best and Denis Law.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the images from Charlton’s funeral.

Floral tributes were left outside Old Trafford ahead of the funeral procession (David Davies/PA)

Sir Alex Ferguson and former Manchester United chief executive David Gill arrive ahead of the funeral service (Andy Kelvin/PA)

Former Manchester United players Paddy Crerand (centre) and Andy Cole (right) arrive at Manchester Cathedral (Andy Kelvin/PA) — Former Manchester United players Paddy Crerand (centre) and Andy Cole (right) at Manchester Cathedral (Andy Kelvin/PA)

The funeral procession arrives outside Old Trafford (David Davies/PA)

Former Liverpool player Alan Kennedy arrives (Andy Kelvin/PA)

The funeral procession passes Old Trafford (Nick Potts/PA)

A view of The United Trinity Statue of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best outside Old Trafford (David Davies/PA) — A view of the United Trinity Statue of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best outside Old Trafford (David Davies/PA)

The Prince of Wales arrives ahead of the funeral service (Andy Kelvin/PA)

England manager Gareth Southgate was also in attendance (Andy Kelvin/PA)

As was former Manchester United captain Roy Keane (Andy Kelvin/PA)

The order of the service (Martin Rickett/PA) — The order of service (Martin Rickett/PA)

Sir Bobby's wife Norma Ball leaves Manchester Cathedral (Martin Rickett/PA) — Sir Bobby’s wife Norma Ball leaves Manchester Cathedral (Martin Rickett/PA)

The coffin of Sir Bobby Charlton is carried by pallbearers (Martin Rickett/PA)

Manchester United players Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw arrive (Andy Kelvin/PA)

Former players Brian Kidd (right) and Mike Summerbee after the funeral service (Martin Rickett/PA)

Sir Bobby Charlton funeral — Tom Charlton, brother of Sir Bobby, after the funeral service (Martin Rickett/PA)

The coffin of Sir Bobby Charlton is carried by pallbearers out of Manchester Cathedral after the funeral service (Martin Rickett/PA)