ONE of Barrow's most formidable local politicians was given a fitting send-off as hundreds gathered to pay their respects to a town stalwart.

Friends and family of Jack Richardson packed out St George's Church in Barrow to say a final goodbye to the former leader of the borough council, who died surrounded by his family on October 23.

In a service fit for royalty, the 80-year-old's coffin was draped in the colours of the Union Flag as he was given a guard of honour by The Duke of Lancaster's Regimental Association.

Mr Richardson, who had been battling Parkinson's disease, moved to Barrow in 1983 with his wife Shirley, to whom he was married for 55 years.

Together, the pair raised four children and even worked as foster carers to give other less fortunate youngsters a family home.

He was elected on to the borough council in 1991 as a Conservative councillor for Hawcoat and stayed in that role until he was forced to resign last year due to poor health.

Mr Richardson was also an avid member of the Rotary Club of Barrow-in-Furness but maintained that his proudest moment was when he was elected to serve as mayor of the town between 2000 and 2001.

Barrow Borough Council leader Dave Pidduck admitted that as a Labour supporter he did clash with Mr Richardson in the chamber over their differing ideologies but paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and colleague.

He said: "I think it was absolutely fitting for him. Jack and I had our moments and we lived on different planets but I knew that when I walked into that council chamber he would be ready to fire a question at me.

"But there was a real relationship in the sense that when we left the chamber we put away our swords temporarily and we were friends.

"Barrow is full of characters in all walks of life and Jack will always be up there with the best of them."

Canon Gary Cregeen, who conducted the service, added: "Jack was a remarkable man who touched many lives beyond what he could have imagined.

"It seemed Jack was very much a people person. He cared about people and took interest in them in a variety of ways and this is presented by the variety of organisations here today."

As part of the one-hour service, mourners sang hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful and Jerusalem with the Last Post also played on a bugle for the former RAF serviceman.

After the proceedings at the church came to a close, the family travelled to Thorncliffe Crematorium for a private cremation before reconvening with friends of the late Mr Richardson at the Lisdoonie Hotel in Abbey Road for refreshments.

Barrow mayor Anita Husband said: "I think it was a lovely service and it was lovely that so many people attended as a tribute to Jack.

"My first civic parade as an elected councillor was at this church and I shared an umbrella with Jack and Shirley so although it was sad it was nice to remember him here today in that aspect."

Donations left by mourners in memory of Mr Richardson were all given to Parkinson's UK.