Rob Burrow’s funeral takes place as thousands of fans line the route, some wearing Leeds Rhinos shirts

Thousands lined the streets to pay their last respects to former Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow.

The funeral procession took place on Sunday, with a final journey through his native Yorkshire.

More than 160 people then attended a private ceremony in Pontefract.

The 41-year-old died last monthfour years after he was first diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Sunday service – on July 7 – came as a nod to Burrow’s number seven jersey worn during his rugby league career.

Members of the public lined the route wearing their Leeds Rhinos shirts as the funeral cortege made its way to the crematorium.

The procession started at 1pm and on its route passed the spot where Mr Burrow first started playing rugby.

Speaking to Sky News ahead of the funeral, Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “Rob was an outstanding player and an outstanding person.

“He and his whole family have been a credit to Rugby League and the MND community.

“Today there is an outpouring of emotion and support for him and his family and what he has done.

“It brought the whole rugby league community together… and other sports.”

Burrow was a successful rugby player, winning eight league titles, but became better known for his MND awareness campaign.

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His trademark determination has seen him help raise millions of pounds for charity to aid research into the rare, degenerative brain and nerve condition.

MND eventually took Burrow’s voice and confined him to a wheelchair before he died.

Teammate Kevin Sinfield supported Mr Burrow throughout and the pair received an MBE for services to MND.

He was famously photographed carrying his friend across the finish line at the Rob Burrow Half Marathon in Leeds last May.

Speaking alongside Burrow at the end of last year, Sinfield said: “Just because rugby stops doesn’t mean those friendships stop and when one of your best friends gets the diagnosis that Rob got then you have a choice if you stand shoulder to shoulder, or you don’t.

“What became clear is the fight and spirit that we knew Rob had, he showed more than ever.”