Thousands to line streets for Ricky Hatton's final journey

His funeral cortège will pass numerous landmarks in Tameside and Manchester which Ricky held dear

Thousands of fans are expected to turn out and line the streets to say a final goodbye to Ricky Hatton.

The funeral of the Mancunian boxing icon, who died last month aged 46, is taking place tomorrow (October 10).

Ahead of a service at Manchester Cathedral at midday, the cortège is set to make a two-hour journey from Tameside to Manchester city centre, spanning more than 15 miles, and passing several spots with importance in Ricky's life and career.

Its first stop will be one of his local pubs, The Cheshire Cheese in the village of Gee Cross, where he lived, at around 9:45am.

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It will then head to the Harehill Tavern, in Hattersley, where Ricky grew up.

After there, it will head to the site of the former New Inn pub, on Mottram New Road, which Ricky's parents once ran and where they built him a boxing gym in the basement. Here, there will be a dove release.

It will then pass through Hyde town centre pausing at the gym he founded, now called Energie Fitness Hyde Ricky Hatton, which was officially opened by Muhammad Ali in 2009.

Hundreds of people attended a minute's silence and balloon release in his memory outside the gym at the end of last month.

It will also pass Hyde town hall where a book of condolence was opened for Ricky last month.

The procession will then head to Denton and pass Betta Bodies gym, where Ricky often trained during his career.

It will then head down Hyde Road and into the city centre.

It will pass the AO Arena, previously known as the M.E.N Arena, and which was the venue for some of his greatest fights, including his dethroning of Kostya Tszyu in 2005.

It will then arrive at Manchester Cathedral ahead of the funeral service at 12 noon. Entrance is by invite only.

Following the service, at around 1:15pm, the cortège will leave the Cathedral with Ricky making one final trip to the Etihad Stadium.

This will be fans' last opportunity to pay their respects, with the procession then making its way to a private committal.

The Manchester Evening News has joined forces with the Daily Star as we campaign to continue Ricky's legacy regarding men's mental health.

Following his death we're raising funds for Andy's Man Club and the Campaign Against Living Miserably, two charities that were very close to the former world champion's heart. You can find out more information and donate HERE.

A new charity has also been set up in his name. The Ricky Hatton Foundation has pledged to carry his ‘spirit forward’ by backing 'those facing their own fights with mental illness’ and 'ensuring that no one ever has to face those battles alone'.