COLLEAGUES of a much-loved technician attended his funeral from a car park in Holland - despite being almost 500 miles away from where the ceremony was taking place in Accrington.

Ian Cook’s funeral took place on May 28 after he died in the East Lancashire Hospice following a short battle with lung cancer.

And while 10 members of Ian’s close family and friends - including wife Mary and his two daughters - were able to attend in person, many were sad at the prospect at missing out on saying goodbye.

Undeterred by the fact they couldn't travel to pay their respects, bosses at Faber Audiovisuals, the company Ian worked at for 25 years, arranged for his service to be streamed on a large screen from the back of his work truck.

Dozens of his former friends and colleagues then sat outside in the sunshine to give the Blackburn man a good send off.

In a joint tribute, colleagues said: "We have lost a friend, colleague and most of all a reliable member of the Faber family.

"But as Ian would say 'it is what it is mate.'

"We'll miss you and wish you a safe journey."

Cees Jan Faber, CEO of Faber Audiovisuals, said: “One of the nicest, best and most loyal colleagues I’ve ever worked with.

“Besides that a fantastic person and a true friend. R.I.P Ian Cook (Cookie). No mountain too high.”

In the time Ian worked for the company, he travelled around Europe working on large projects including World Cups and the Formula One.

He also installed screens and technology for large gigs and concerts, including touring with the likes on Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen.

Step daughter Sarah Nuttall said: "We had no idea the company were doing this, it was a complete surprise."

Ian and his wife Mary hit the headlines in May after the Archbishop of Canterbury gave them special permission to wed in their Rossendale home following his diagnosis.

Just days after the pair, who had been together for eleven years wed, Ian passed away with Mary at his side.

Paying tribute to Mr Cook, who she described as a ‘man who was loved by all’, his wife said: “He was so kind-hearted and funny, a really liked guy.

“In the 11 years we were together, he really taught me a lot about life, and he was so caring and thoughtful towards everyone,” Mrs Cook said

“Throughout his diagnosis and illness, he was always so positive. He was a realist and just dealt with what he was faced with so well,” Mrs Cook added

“The fact we were able to get married so soon before he died has really left me with a lasting shining bright memory of him.”

Father-of-two Mr Cook, who attended Blackburn Grammar School in the 60s, spent his younger years working as a draughtsman before becoming a video technician.