Taxi drivers from across Liverpool will lead a procession in honour of a much-loved veteran cabbie who drove a black cab for 40 years.

George Stirrup died while surrounded by family and friends at Aintree hospital on August 14, just shy of his eightieth birthday.

The pensioner, from Norris Green, who learnt to ride a horse at 75, will be laid to rest on Monday.
He was the oldest trainee horse rider at Croxteth Park Riding Centre.

Around 12 black taxis will join the funeral procession from his home on Sedgemoor Road, where George was born and lived his entire life, to Anfield Crematorium.

His daughter Amanda Ainsbury, 42 told the ECHO: “For the taxi drivers to honour him in this way he would be so happy.

“He was always there for others and for the taxi drivers to be there for him now he would be so proud.

“He just loved the job, loved driving with people, loved the city of Liverpool. He just loved being around people and doing a service for them.

“He loved life.

“He was so sociable, and a happy person. Just really well respected in the community.

“He loved being around people and that is what made him become a taxi driver.”

Dad-of-four George, who was in the Irish Guards, was affectionately known as the ‘Colonel’ by his colleges because he used to wear his Guards blazer and tie out and about.

The idea for the procession came from a fellow taxi driver who wanted to honour George’s memory.

George was said to be well-known in the community thanks to his charity work and near constant fundraising for others at Liverpool John Lennon Airport .

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