MOURNERS have paid their last respects to one of Worcester's most colourful Mayors, Stanley Marshall.

Former city councillor Mr Marshall, who donned the robes of office in 1962, was an active member of numerous committees and charities over the years.

Among the dignitaries who attended the Thanksgiving Ceremony were the current Mayor, Mary Drinkwater; businessman John Bennett and the leader of the council, Robert Rowden.

Mr Marshall, an outfitter, who during his stint in the Army rose from the rank of private to Lt-Colonel, had planned the funeral himself.

He chose Praise My Soul the King of Heaven, To God Be the Glory and O Worship the King as the hymns, while the readings were from the Gospel of St John and the Book of Revelation.

The Rev Jim Brown of Albany Terrace United Reform Church read from a letter penned by Mr Marshall during his time as a Conservative councillor.

"To all the nosey-parkers, busy-bodies and gossip-mongers this is what Alderman Marshall has been doing," the letter ran, before listing more than 30 causes with which the former Mayor had been closely involved.

Mr Brown told the congregation Mr Marshall had treasured his family, describing his daughter, Diana, and grand-daughter, Jenny, as his "prize possessions".

Gary Francis, who is married to Mr Marshall's niece Beryl, said their uncle had appeared to "lose his zest for life" when his wife, Mabel, died shortly after the couple celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary on Boxing Day last year.

He said one of Mr Marshall's many achievements was the opening of Lower Wick Swimming Pool in 1975.

"After the ceremony, Stan dived in - fully clothed - and swam a length," added Mr Francis.

Mr Marshall was the founder of the Stanhope Housing Association, the first housing association in the city, and he was also a leading Rotarian.

After the service, Coun Drinkwater paid tribute to Mr Marshall, who served on the council from 1947-74.

"He was a wonderful man, who would help anybody if at all possible," she said.