Video: Leeds pub landlord leaves ‘em laughing with funeral in fancy dress

The former Middleton Arms pub landlord died suddenly aged 38 after suffering a brain haemorrhage on Saturday September 20 following a night out at Butlins in Skegness.

His family and friends wanted this morning’s service at Cottingley Hall Crematorium to be a celebration of his life.

Mourners dressed as characters including Spiderman, Little Red Riding Hood, Super Mario Brothers, Batman, Spiderman and Braveheart.

The father-of-one’s coffin was transported to the crematorium in a horse-drawn hearse from his parents’ Diane and Paul’s home on Middleton Park Avenue.

Mr Brown, his cousin Ricky Grimshaw and friends Richard Sharp and Paul Groom, were due to don granny fancy dress outfits for their Saturday night out at Butlins on September 20.

Mr Brown’s family decided to dress him for the funeral in the fancy dress outfit he never got to wear.

Mr Grimshaw, Mr Sharp and Mr Groom also dressed as grannies for the service.

Neville Woodhead, 46, and his partner Michala Hughes dressed as the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood.

Mr Woodhead said: “Lee would have been impressed, He would have enjoyed it, especially with people making the effort to get dressed up.”

Mr Brown’s father Paul said: “Lee would have thought it was great. He will be looking down laughing his head off.”

Mr Brown’s family gave their permission for his major organs to be donated and his heart has already been used in a transplant operation.