The horse-drawn hearse of a family man beloved by the Gypsy, boxing and racing communities will pause at the winning post at Epsom racecourse tomorrow.

Thousands of mourners are expected to pay their respects to Peter Matthews, 70, whose hearse will go over the Downs where he put up fences for the Derby for 51 years.

Before tomorrow's funeral, loved ones are visiting his home in Horton Hill, Epsom, where his body is and where a fire is already burning outside - an old Gypsy custom.

After his death last month, his daughter Chanelle, 24, who was also his carer, said: "He was a very much-loved man, always helping others."

Big Gypsy funeral for family man Peter Matthews loved in boxing and racing worlds

Tomorrow morning flowers and his coffin will be placed in a hearse and the cortege will go to Christ Church, Epsom Common.

Members of his last boxing club, Rose Hill Amateur Boxing Club, have been asked to wear their tracksuits to the funeral there at noon.

After the service his hearse and two family cars will then go via West Hill, Ashley Road and the Grandstand roundabout to Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The horse-drawn carriage will travel alongside the course to the winning post as he wanted.

At about 1.30pm his 60 racing pigeons will be released into the air as he is buried in Epsom Cemetery. A wake will then be held at the Blenheim Arms in Epsom.

Last month Ewell pubs closed as hundreds of people paid tribute to a leading member of the Gypsy community, Sylvia Smith.

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Mr Matthews' biological father was Jasper Smith - a leading traveller whose own funeral brought Epsom to a standstill a number of years ago.

But he was actually brought up by a non-Gypsy man, Fred Matthews, who he called dad and loved very much.

His daughter said he has always been part of the racing community and devoted to his family including her own son Riley.

She said: "Boxing was his life and boxing probably kept him going right up until he couldn’t go anymore. Pigeons were his hobby, he loved them. He loved his horses."

Tributes to Mr Matthews:

Nelson Crittenden - RIP Peter your kind of person is very rare the moment we met I saw that in you. God bless you.

Steve and Jenny Minter - To a great man. I remember Peter when my wife's father, myself and Peter went to New Forest Horse sales and brought two ponies. He was a good friend of our family.Our thoughts are with all his family. Rest In Peace Peter

Rachy Bolt - He was a one of the loveliest men ever. A real gentleman. An amazing farther and grandad. Not many men like him anymore. Sooo sad rest in peace.

For pictures of floral tributes and the funeral procession tomorrow visit this website, www.epsomguardian.co.uk

Did you know Mr Matthews? Please leave your own tribute below or email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk