They came in their thousands. Leaders of the labour and trade union movements, actors and MPs gathered to bid farewell to one of the greatest socialists of his time - Tony Benn.

But if the man himself had been able to see it, perhaps his greatest pleasure woud have been to see the hundreds of ordinary working-class Londoners who lined the route outside St Margaret's Church in Westminister, many clutching hand-made placards and messages, who began to gather well over an hour before the funeral was due to start.

One elderly couple held a copy of an edition of Mr Benn's diaries and a placard reading: "Tony Benn, a one-off, truly irreplaceable." The placard was decorated with red hearts.

Next to them the flag of Palestine was fixed to the barrier, alongside an Irish tri-colour emblazoned with the words: "Glasgow Celtic Anti-Fascists."

The leaders of the Durham Miners' Association arrived with their historic banner, and raised it in accordance with a request from the Benn family.

It bears a portrayal of Labour's longest-ever serving MP addressing the Durham Miners' Gala.

Durham Miners' Association secretary Dave Hopper said: "Tony addressed the Gala 20 times, more than anyone else in its history."

There were representatives of Stop the War, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Labour Representation Committee.

"He was an extraordinary man," Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said. "A man who inspired millions, a fighter against injustice, a man of peace who was on the side of the workers. His integrity was unquestionable."

Actor Maxine Peake traveled from her home in Lancashire to be there.

"It is a sad day for socialists," she said. "He was inspirational."

Ms Peake marched with Benn at the 2013 Tolpuddle Martyrs rally. "I was always too in awe of him to speak to him," she recalled, "and I regret that now."

Many people remained outside to listen to the service, which was relayed via loudspeakers. Inside, the church was full to capacity.

The arrival of the coffin was heralded by applause from the crowd outside.

There were hymns and readings, including by Commons Speaker John Bercow and Labour leader Ed Miliband.

But most moving were the contributions from Mr Benn's family - sons Stephen, Hilary and Joshua, daughter Melissa, and brother David.

As mourners queued to leave voices sang out: "The people's flag is deepest red ..." The people's MP would have loved it.