HUNDREDS packed out a church for the funeral of a dearly loved grandfather who was well known across the town for his passion for cars and karaoke.

Lawrence Dyas, more commonly known as Lol, died earlier this month of a heart attack, just two days after his 64th birthday.

His sudden death prompted shock and sadness among the business and pub community, where he was known for his ownership of car showrooms and as a karaoke host.

His popularity was underlined at a funeral held in St Peter and Paul RC Church on Woodlands Road, Haresfinch, which was packed with mourners.

Relatives described Lol, from Moss Bank, as a “loving husband to Margaret, a father-of-three, grandfather-of-six and great-grandfather-of-one”.

He had worked in and owned garages all over St Helens for more than 40 years, starting with KL Cars, which got its name for being situated just off Kiln Lane.

The name stuck and more recently he owned KL Cars on Baxters Lane, Sutton.

His passion for motors stretched beyond business.

He was a Jaguar car fanatic who won countless awards over the years at car shows all over the country with pristine vehicles he had built up from scratch. These included his beloved E-Type with the ‘Lol 447’ Registration plate.

In recent years Lol had started a karaoke business, and the events he hosted at the Carr Mill on Saturday nights drew and large and loyal following.

Lol’s son, Stephen Dyas, 44 said: “He was more than just a dad, he was a good friend as well.

“He was a really popular man and was loved by everybody who knew him. He’s going to be sadly missed by his family and friends.”

Tributes flowed on the Carr Mill Flaming Grill Facebook page.

Lee Molton wrote: “RIP Lol, the karaoke king. He will be doing the karaoke for St Peter now in heaven. You will be missed.”

Anna Carruthers wrote: “RIP Lol, you will forever be in our hearts. The Mill will always miss you. The heart of our pub. Karaoke isn't karaoke without you!”