A CONGREGATION of thousands is expected to gather at St Paul’s Cathedral today to pay tribute to long-serving GMB president Mary Turner.

Ms Turner, who died last year aged 79, is thought to be the first trade unionist to be honoured with a service at the cathedral.

Born in Tipperary, Ms Turner became a school catering worker and workplace rep in north London. She successfully campaigned for universal free school meals and was a key figure in the 1981 People’s March for Jobs.