The trade union movement has paid tribute to RMT leader Bob Crow as thousands turned out at his funeral.

Trade unionists lined the route from near the 52-year-old's house in Woodford, east London, to the City of London cemetery in Manor Park.

Crow's coffin was carried in a horse-drawn carriage, in traditional East End style. The four horses were dressed in blue and white plumage, the colours of Crow's beloved Millwall Football Club.

Hundreds of colourful union banners were displayed along the route, as well as flags from groups such as the Stop The War Coalition, which he supported.

A huge banner at the gates of the cemetery, held up by Rail Maritime and Transport union members, read: "Bob Crow 1961–2014. RIP Legend".

Posters featuring a photograph of Crow were also displayed at tube stations.

The leader of the GMB union, Paul Kenny, one of many general secretaries paying tribute, said: "Bob was a remarkable fighter for working people, but he was also passionate about protecting the health and safety of the public, which he never got any credit for.

"He was a funny, witty, interesting man and the union movement – in fact, the whole country – will be a duller place without him."

The RMT president, Peter Pinkney, said: "Bob's death leaves a massive gap in the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him and represents a huge loss to the trade union and labour movement both in this country and internationally, and specifically, for the RMT members Bob led with such stunning success."

The funeral service was private, at the request of his family.

Tributes will also be paid on May Day, with a special event being planned in London.