Thousands turn out to pay their respects to late Jack Charlton - in pictures

Charlton passed away earlier this month at the age of 85

People pay their respects as the funeral cortege of Jack Charlton passes through Northumberland in Ashington on Tuesday. The former Republic of Ireland manager, who won the World Cup, playing for England in 1966 died on July 10 aged 85. EPA

People line the streets as the funeral cortege of Jack Charlton passes through his hometown of Northumberland in Ashington on Tuesday. EPA

The coffin of British football legend Jack Charlton is carried into the West Road Crematorium on Tuesday. AFP

The coffin of British football legend Jack Charlton is carried into the West Road Crematorium in Newcastle on Tuesday. AFP

The coffin of British football legend Jack Charlton is carried into the West Road Crematorium. AFP

Floral tributes and messages of condolence are pictured as the funeral cortege of British football legend Jack Charlton arrives at the West Road Crematorium. AFP

Floral tributes and messages of condolence are pictured as the funeral cortege of British football legend Jack Charlton arrives at the West Road Crematorium. AFP

Floral tributes and messages of condolence at the West Road Crematorium. AFP

The funeral cortege of Jack Charlton passes through his hometown of Northumberland in Ashington. EPA

Floral tributes and messages of condolence for British football legend Jack Charlton. AFP

The funeral cortege of British football legend Jack Charlton arrives at West Road Crematorium. AFP

The coffin of British football legend Jack Charlton is carried into the West Road Crematorium. AFP

Thousands of fans lined the streets to pay their respects to the late Jack Charlton on Tuesday. Charlton passed away at the age of 85 earlier this month. He had been diagnosed with lymphoma and was also battling dementia.

Charlton won the World Cup with England in 1966 before becoming a national hero as manager of Ireland.

Crowds gathered at Ashington, in England, where Charlton grew up, and also in Ballina, Ireland, to say farewell to the man who transformed the national team, taking them to their first two World Cup finals.

The hearse drove through Ashington before leaving for a private service at a crematorium.

"The word legend can be overused but certainly not in this case," an Ashington Football Club spokesperson was quoted as saying by AFP.

"Always happy to help in the town, visit schools and community events when asked. A giant who will be sorely missed."