Best to be laid to rest in Belfast

The body of George Best will today make its final journey back to his native city of Belfast.

Exactly a week after the Manchester United and Northern Ireland soccer legend died, his remains will be flown home in a small private chartered plane to RAF Aldergrove, ahead of a funeral ceremony at Stormont tomorrow.

Police were preparing to mount one of the biggest security operations the city has ever seen as family, friends and admirers of Best headed to Belfast to pay their last respects.

Best’s son, Calum, and his agent and close friend, Phil Hughes, will accompany the body on its flight back.

It will be met at RAF Aldergrove around noon, by Best’s four sisters, their husbands, and his father, Dickie, away from the public glare.

His body will then make the 20-mile journey to Belfast with a police escort, heading to his father’s home on the Cregagh estate where he grew up and developed the footballing skills that made him one of soccer’s greatest stars.

Best fans have been paying tribute across the UK and Ireland, erecting shrines at Old Trafford and also at the gates of Belfast City Hall, Northern Ireland’s home ground, Windsor Park and the Best family home.

In death, he has united soccer fans on both sides of the religious and political divide in the North and also supporters from rival clubs in Manchester, Glasgow and other parts of the UK.

Hotel rooms in Belfast have become a precious commodity as tens of thousands of people prepare to make the pilgrimage to the player’s home city for tomorrow’s funeral.

Best will be given a final send off akin to a state funeral.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and Best’s Manchester United team-mate Denis Law will be among the mourners.