A FORMER Evening Mail reporter described his love for Barrow in the eulogy he wrote for his own funeral.

John Simpson died at his home in Melbourne Street last month at the age of 73 following a short battle with cancer.

On Friday his family, friends and former colleagues gathered at St James Church, where Mr Simpson served as a warden, for his funeral.

The church bells pealed poignantly as the hearse pulled past the flag flying at half mast and into the drive.

During the service Mr Simpson was described as a 'private individual' who had a 'sharp and keen intellect'.

Born in Knaresborough near Harrogate in 1946, Mr Simpson moved to Barrow in 1994 to work for the Evening Mail as business correspondent.

His eulogy, written by Mr Simpson himself, was read during the funeral by his sisters Barbara and Caroline.

They described his upbringing as 'typical' and recalled his love for 'woods and steam trains'.

"He loved the freedom of provincial journalism and he made great friends in Barrow," they said.

Following a period of unemployment he got the job in Barrow 'for which he was truly grateful' and he described the town as 'kind, decent and interesting'.

As a reporter he had an 'insatiable curiosity and healthy disdain for authority'.

During his career Mr Simpson also worked for the Hull Daily Mail and Birmingham Post.

The eulogy was followed by a reading of a poem entitled Small Valleys which was one of many written by Mr Simpson during his adult life.

Hymns sung during the funeral included Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven; and I Vow To Thee, My Country, All Earthly Things Above.

The service also included songs performed by St James' choir and a reading by one of his fellow church wardens.

Donations made during the funeral will be split between St Mary's Hospice and St James Church.

Mr Simpson's ashes will be interred with his mother Kathleen's.