THE first ever funeral has taken place today (Thursday) at the home of Somerset County Cricket Club.

Hundreds of mourners celebrated the life of passionate supporter Mike Coggan in the County Room at the Cooper Associates County Ground this morning.

Mr Coggan's coffin was carried by current and former players Andy Caddick, Rob Turner, Keith Parsons, Marcus Trescothick, James Hildreth and Peter Trego.

Mr Coggan and his wife, Mary Elworthy followed the team all over the country and served on the county's Taunton area committee for several years.

He died in the couple's home, Howzat, in Fitzhead, on his 74th birthday on Sunday, January 14.

The funeral service was officiated by the Rev Helene Stainer, the rector of Fitzhead, and Rob Walrond, the cricket club's chaplain.

Tributes were given by Somerset president Richard Parsons and fellow supporters Fred Nash and Richard Tomlinson.

Following the service, current Somerset cricketers and officials formed a guard of honour with raised cricket bats as the hearse drove Mr Coggan's coffin to Combe Florey, where a private burial took place.