Friends and family have gathered to pay their respects to a beloved waterman.

Brian Warner, affectionately known as Bruno, died on June 7 after falling at home and breaking his hip.

Born in Gravesend on June 2, 1934, Bruno spent his life working in the town.

Having tried his hand as a butcher and a baker, he started moved to the docks, tying the boats up as they came in.

He was eventually able to buy his own barge and enjoyed several trips around Europe with his second wife Beryl and other friends and family.

The boat, named after his daughter Jane, was what brought the happy couple together.

Beryl used her artistic talents to paint pub signs and boats and was recommended by a friend to paint a coach and horses on the barge to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.

They married just three years ago but met in 1977. They bought their first home in 1978, where Beryl still lives now.

At the ripe old age of 70, Bruno started windsurfing after they discovered the sport in Malaysia while on holiday.

They began going for two weeks every year – Bruno in the water and Beryl relaxing on a beach.

Eleven years later, he enrolled in a doorman course, much to the amusement of his course mates.

Speaking at his funeral, friend Scott Lowe said: “You couldn’t have a bad word said about Bruno, he had a heart of gold and he was certainly one in a million, he will be missed forever more.”

Beryl said: “He was a very nice man. He was extremely generous, very kind and a great character.

“We were very similar. I’m a bit of a softie and so was he.

“My favourite memories are of our camping trips around Europe.

“He’d never been camping in his life before then.”

Bruno had two children, Jane and Mick and one grandson called Christopher.