The streets of Thanet were “overwhelmed” with mourners turning out to pay their respects to pub “legend” Frank Thorley.

As many as 1,000 people came out to say a final farewell to the popular businessman, with friends, family, staff and former employees “lining the streets” of Broadstairs.

Mr Thorley, who died peacefully on March 22, founded the extensive Thorley Taverns chain of restaurants and pubs which spanned across the Isle of Thanet.

His funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church in Broadstairs on Saturday and, in a touching tribute to the popular businessman, the service was live-streamed at the chain’s Broadstairs Pavillion pub so punters could pay their respects.

Philip Thorley, the pub magnate’s son, told KentOnline: “We couldn’t have given him a better send-off.

“It went fantastically well; it was a very good day.

“We think about 1,000 people came out to pay their respects; we were overwhelmed by how many there were.”

Phil Thorley was one of the pallbearers carrying his father’s coffin, and described how “people couldn’t fit in the church”.

“There were so many people lining the streets outside” he said.

Staff at Thorley Taverns establishments stood outside as the funeral procession came past.

Kim Thorley-Ransom, Mr Thorley’s daughter, added in a social media post: “Dad would have loved it.

“He really cared about each and every single member of staff throughout his whole life.

“He thought of the staff as part of our bigger family.

“Thank you to all of my dad’s friends who came to pay their respect at the church.

“There were so many who came down from London and cancelled holidays to be there.

“Now that is love and respect.

“My son says that Grandad has built a bar in heaven and has got all of the angels merry.

“I think he may be right.”

Thorley Taverns, which has 18 venues, said in a separate post it had been “overwhelmed with kind messages of condolence”.

Following the news of Mr Thorley’s death, he was described as a “true gentleman” and “legend”.

Mr Thorley bought his first pub - The Angel in the City of London - in 1971.

He then quickly acquired four more in the capital before snapping up his first Thanet pub in 1975 - the Charles Dickens in Broadstairs.

His ventures into Kent were spurred on by his family's regular holidays to the Isle, and in 1977 saw him move to Broadstairs permanently.

In 2012 Thorley Taverns sold its last London pub to focus its energies on its Thanet portfolio, and to this day remains a family firm.